How to Winterize Your Rental Property

If you own a cabin in a cold climate, taking the necessary steps to winterize your rental property can help prevent damage, reduce maintenance costs, and protect your investment during the off-season. Here’s how to prepare inhabited and vacant rental properties for the colder months.

Winterizing Inhabited Rentals

When preparing inhabited rentals for winter, landlords and tenants have roles to play in ensuring the property remains in good condition and comfortable throughout the season.

Landlord Responsibilities

1. Inspect Heating Systems:
   • Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of the heating system before the cold weather sets in.
   • Replace filters in furnaces and ensure all components work efficiently to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
2. Check Insulation and Weatherstripping:
   • Inspect and improve insulation in attics, basements, and walls to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
   • To prevent drafts and heat loss, check and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
3. Inspect Roof and Gutters:
   • Ensure the roof is in good condition and repair any leaks or damage.
   • Clean out gutters to prevent blockages and ensure proper drainage, which helps avoid ice dams and water damage.
4. Provide Winter Safety Tips:
   • Share tips with tenants on maintaining warmth and safety, such as keeping interior doors open to allow heat to circulate and using ceiling fans to distribute warm air.

Tenant Responsibilities

1. Maintain Consistent Heating:
   • Keep the heating system at a reasonable temperature, even when away from home, to prevent pipes from freezing.
   • Report any issues with the heating system to the landlord immediately.
2. Protect Plumbing:
   • Let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold weather to prevent pipes from freezing.
   • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
3. Seal Windows and Doors:
   • Use draft stoppers or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors.
   • Close curtains or blinds at night to retain heat and open them during the day to let in natural warmth.
4. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
   • Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly, as the use of heating systems can increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Winterizing Vacant Rentals

Vacant properties require different winterization strategies to protect them from the elements and prevent damage during the colder months.

Landlord Responsibilities

1. Shut Off and Drain Water Systems:
   • Turn off the main water supply and drain all pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
   • Add antifreeze to toilets and other plumbing fixtures to protect them from freezing.
2. Maintain a Minimum Temperature:
   • Set the thermostat to a low but safe temperature to prevent freezing, usually around 55°F.
   • Use a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely if possible.
3. Inspect and Secure the Property:
   • Ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure to prevent drafts and unauthorized entry.
   • Check for any openings or cracks where cold air could enter and seal them.
4. Protect the Exterior:
   • Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.
   • Trim trees and bushes near the property to avoid branches breaking and causing damage during storms.

Additional Precautions

1. Unplug Appliances:
   • Unplug all appliances to prevent potential electrical issues and reduce energy consumption.
2. Check Insurance Coverage:
   • Verify that the property insurance covers winter-related damage, such as burst pipes or storm damage.
3. Regular Inspections:
   • Arrange for regular inspections of the vacant property to check for any issues that may arise, such as water leaks, pest infestations, or security breaches.
4. Winterize Landscaping:
   • Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers and disconnect hoses.
   • Apply mulch around plants and trees to protect roots from freezing temperatures.

By taking these proactive steps, landlords can ensure their rental properties are well-prepared for winter, whether inhabited or vacant. Proper winterization protects the property and provides peace of mind to landlords and comfort to tenants.

Property Management and Winterizing

If you don’t have the knowledge, time, or physical ability to conduct all of these steps, don’t worry. Red Wagon Properties can help ensure that your rentals, both inhabited and vacant, are taken care of during the coming winter months.