Autumn is Here: Are Your Properties Ready?

Autumn season is finally here - The transition from longer sunny days to shorter, busier days can be extremely tough for most. Property managers and landlords are probably also aware that their properties can be quite a mess to deal with at this time of year. To help ease this change for property managers and landlords, we have compiled a list of preventative maintenance to-do’s to prepare your properties for the upcoming season.

1. Have a Debris and Leaf Clearing Schedule. As mentioned, the Autumn season can get very messy for property managers, which is why it is important to be consistent by creating an Autumn cleaning schedule for your properties. Make sure that leaves are not clogging your drains and causing slippery surfaces. It is your responsibility to maintain the safety of your tenants!

1. Watch Out for Damaged Tree Branches and Bushes. It is important to inspect the condition of large trees surrounding your property to determine the possibility of breaking. Trim trees and bushes back until they are at a safe distance from your properties to avoid any injuries and/or damage to your properties!
   
2. Roof and Gutter Cleaning. Doing a routine semi-annual roof and gutter cleaning for your properties could potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs as it would prevent water damage to your home’s foundation; a repair that can cost $10,000 or more (probably more!). Make sure that the roof and downspouts are completely clear to prevent clogging when winter season approaches.
   
3. Service Furnaces. Autumn would be the most ideal time for your annual furnace check-ups. With cold weather right around the corner, it is crucial to ensure that your property’s furnace is working at full capacity. Making sure that your furnaces are functioning well has many added benefits as well, including energy savings and a prolonged life on the furnace itself.
   
4. Check All Doors and Windows. Drafts coming from your windows and doors could be another potential major source of energy loss in your properties. It is important to thoroughly inspect each window and door to make sure that air is not seeping through the cracks as these could increase your heating expenses, especially in the Autumn and Winter months. To mitigate this, weather-stripping and caulking are great preventive methods for these window and door drafts. However, in more serious cases, a door or window replacement might be needed.