Fall is officially here and for property managers and rental property owners that means making sure that all rentals are ready for the change in season. Professional property managers like Martin Feinberg understand that property maintenance is a year-round endeavor but know it’s still a good idea to take some time to ensure that tenants and units are in good shape when the weather changes with fall inspections.

One ofthe most important thing to check as winter approaches is the exterior of the rental unit.  Look for areas that need caulking, gutters that should be cleaned, and/or shrubbery that could be trimmed to prevent future damage.  Such repairs are usually inexpensive and can go a long way towards keeping a property sealed against both water and pests.  Fall is also a great time to check for loose or missing shingles on roofs.   Taking care of small issues before they grow into big ones can have a big impact on everyone’s bottom line.

Autumn is also a good time to inspect supports and railings for decks, patios, and entryways.  Handrails and other supports can weaken over time, especially during rainy or cold weather. Making sure that they are still capable of supporting what they were made to support can help guarantee that everyone remains safe while they are on the rental property.

Fall can also be a good time to focus on infestation prevention.  Changes in weather can sometimes cause insects and rodents to seek shelter indoors.  Checking the exterior for entry points, caulking small holes, and covering larger ones can help keep pests at bay.

Experienced property managers know that yearly inspections are very important, and autumn can be a good time to schedule them with tenants.  Chimneys should be cleaned of debris, smoke alarms should be checked, and HVAC systems need to be serviced and cleaned every year.  And while those inspections are taking place, it’s a perfect time to do routine property inspections to make sure that tenants are following the terms of their leases as well.

Seasonal maintenance can sometimes seem like a chore but proactive property managers can help ensure that rental property owners’ investments are protected, both during fall inspections and also all year long.