How to Maintain Multifamily Properties in the Fall
Fall is a beautiful time of year and a popular time for your multifamily properties to begin filling up. As your renters transition and new units open up for rental, it’s a good idea to perform these maintenance checks.
Whether you hire a property manager or maintain your own buildings, here are some areas to inspect for common maintenance issues.
Inspect Your Furnace
As the temperature drops, you need to be sure your rental units have adequate heat. Because you haven’t used your furnace all summer, it’s a good idea to inspect it for any signs of damage. Replace the furnace filter and be sure the vents are free from debris before it starts back up again. Hire an HVAC technician to inspect your furnace and service it to promote a long-lasting heat source for your entire building.
Clean Your Gutters and Roof
Gutters clogged with leaves and a roof full of branches can be unsightly, but they can also cause snow and ice to accumulate on your roof. Over time, all this moisture will damage your roofing material and cause leaks. Interior water damage can lead to mold and many other headaches, so prevent it from occurring by keeping your roof clear.
Related article: What Does A Property Manager Do?
Check Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors are common areas for air to escape from your home. It may not be as noticeable in the summer, but when winter arrives your multifamily rental unit residents are sure to notice a cool breeze and an increase in heating costs. Whether you pay for heating or charge your renters, make sure your units are energy efficient.
Air leaks aren’t just an avenue for cool air, but it could also allow moisture to enter your rental property. Snow and ice buildup could cause water to leak through your siding and into your walls through your windows and doors, creating another potential for mold. Water damage in the walls of your unit can also compromise insulation, which reduces the energy efficiency even more.
Protect Your Real Estate Investment
Don’t wait until the snow starts to fall to inspect your multifamily property. Replace your furnace filter, inspect your gutters and roof and consider investing in energy-efficient fixtures and appliances to protect your investment and increase the demand for your rental units. Investing in your property and taking the proper maintenance precautions can improve your investment and help you grow your real estate rental business.
