The summer season has arrived, and it’s time to update your rental home. After a lengthy and chilly winter, summer is the season for movement and change. When the weather is nice and favorable, many tenants relocate and find a new house.
One of the busiest times for the real estate market is the summer. Landlords must set up their rental properties to draw in new tenants and keep the ones they already have. Even if you have long-term tenants, the summer is a great time to perform routine inspections and maintenance. You should hire a proactive property manager in Northern Virginia to schedule your maintenance.
Ultimately, you must make sure your rental is operational before summer arrives. In this article, continue reading below as we discuss four ways to prepare your rental property for summer.
4 Ways to Prepare Your Rental Home for Summer
1. Examine the Air Conditioning unit
The summertime heat can occasionally be unbearable. Therefore, most tenants value having a working air conditioner in their homes. First, replace the filters that often show up along the return duct. Filters that are dirty and clogged will force your air conditioner to work harder, run longer, and use more energy. Also, remember that a clogged filter slows airflow and can cause heated air to build up within the home.
A professional must then clean the air conditioner’s coils and condenser drain. Trim the shrubs and remove debris from the exterior unit to avoid clogging the system.
Keeping cooling systems in good working order can cut energy use by as much as 50%, keeping your tenants content and comfortable. To prevent a frustrating breakdown in the middle of the season, consider upgrading your AC if it is over 15 years old.
2. Protection of your Home from Water Damage
For added protection against water infiltration, consider installing a durable Crawl Space Vent Cover. These covers help prevent moisture from seeping into your crawl space, reducing the risk of structural damage and mold growth.
Basement Wall Crack Repair is another crucial aspect of home maintenance to prevent water damage. Even small cracks in the basement walls can allow water to seep in, leading to structural issues and mold growth. Regular inspection and timely repair of basement wall cracks are essential for safeguarding your home’s foundation from water damage.
Due to the frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain accompanying extreme heat, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent water damage to your home. The foundation is where you should start by checking for leaks and cracks. Install grates or pile up soil outdoors to deflect rainwater from your property’s foundation. A one-inch-per-foot grating will provide optimum rainwater runoff.
Next, examine the gutters for any low points or cracks that could cause water to collect close to your home. Water may eventually get too close to the foundation as a result of such leaks eroding the areas below damaged gutters. Pay more immediate attention to the downspout as you examine the channels because you want it to redirect water about three feet from your home.
Additionally, check the doors and windows for damage, leaks, or caulking cracks. Before the summer season starts, replace the caulk to protect your home from leaks that can cause wood rot and mold. Finally, watch your roof’s shingles and flashing, especially if it is older.
3. Prepare outdoor Amenities
Summertime enjoyment should take place outside. Landlords ought to give tenants functional amenities as a result. If the rental agreement specifies that you are in charge of pool cleaning, finish the job promptly. If the pool has a built-in cleaning system, on the other hand, make sure to show the tenants how to use it. Additionally, the pool must adhere to all safety regulations, including proper fences and signs.
However, grills and fire pits, among other outside amenities, will set your house apart from the competition. These amenities will give you a further edge when determining the cost of renting the property.
4. Get ready for pests
The bugs may invade your rental home because of the high summer temperatures. Be cautious of critters like ants, cockroaches, spiders, and wasps.
By effectively sealing your doors and windows, you can keep them out. Remember that any unfavorable comments can influence how popular your property becomes in the future.
To prevent pest populations from growing into serious problems, employ insecticides or pesticides on your property. If ants enter the home, you can also advise the tenants on how to deal with them. Remember to remove wasp nests from your property.
Importance of Checking Airflow and Ductwork
1. Energy Efficiency
The HVAC system runs effectively with proper airflow. The system needs to work harder to maintain the appropriate temperature when airflow is restricted because of obstructions or leaks in the ductwork. This results in higher energy usage and utility costs for your rental property.
2. Equipment Durability
Adequate airflow helps keep HVAC equipment from overworking. When the system operates at peak performance, it decreases component wear and tear, increasing the equipment’s lifespan and decreasing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
3. Indoor Air Quality
Clean and well-maintained ducting avoids the collection of dust, dirt, and other impurities. Poorly maintained ducts can become breeding grounds for mold, germs, and allergens, lowering the indoor air quality in your rental home. As a result, this would lead to respiratory difficulties and allergies.
Conclusion
By cleaning up and implementing the above-mentioned simple improvements, you can get your rentals ready for the summer season. During the summer, many expect rental property prices to rise. You could lose a lot of money if you don’t take advantage of this opportunity.
Additionally, there is more rivalry among property owners, so you must keep your homes in the best condition possible to stand out. It’s a good idea to seek assistance from a property management company if you own several rental houses. They will continuously keep your home in good shape, preserving the value of your property.
To learn more on urgent repairs you can’t put off in your rental, please see the resource below.
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