Seasonal Property Maintenance Checklist
A complete checklist of spring, summer, fall, and winter maintenance tasks to protect your property, prevent costly repairs, and keep tenants safe.
- The difference between reactive and preventive maintenance and why it matters.
- A detailed checklist of essential tasks for each season: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
- How to prioritize safety checks for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers.
- Tips for documenting maintenance work to protect yourself legally and financially.
As a landlord, you will deal with two types of maintenance: reactive and preventive. Reactive maintenance is fixing things as they break—a tenant calls about a leak, and you send a plumber. Preventive maintenance is proactive work done to prevent those breakdowns in the first place.
While you can't prevent every issue, a structured, seasonal approach to preventive maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment, reduce emergency repair costs, and keep your tenants safe and happy. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist you can adapt for your properties, whether they are in the US, UK, or EU.
The Cost of Deferral
Industry data shows that for every $1 spent on preventive maintenance, landlords save an average of $5 on future emergency repairs. A $150 HVAC tune-up can prevent a $5,000 system failure in a heatwave. A $200 gutter cleaning can prevent $10,000 in water damage. Proactive work is always cheaper than reactive work.
Spring Checklist: Recovery and Preparation
As the weather warms, it's time to inspect for winter damage and prepare the property for summer.
Exterior
- Inspect Roof: Look for any damaged, loose, or missing shingles/tiles from winter storms.
- Clean Gutters & Downspouts: Remove winter debris to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.
- Check Foundation & Siding: Look for cracks or gaps where water or pests could enter.
- Service Air Conditioning/Cooling Systems: Schedule a professional tune-up before the first heatwave.
Interior
- Inspect for Leaks: Check ceilings, under sinks, and around windows for any signs of water intrusion from winter.
- Check Sump Pump (if applicable): Ensure it's operational before spring rains.
Safety
- Test Smoke & CO Detectors: Press the test button and replace all batteries, regardless of their current charge.
Summer Checklist: Exterior Upkeep
Summer is the ideal time for exterior projects and pest control.
Exterior
- Pest Control: Schedule preventive treatment for common summer pests like ants, wasps, and spiders.
- Inspect Decks & Patios: Check for any loose boards, railings, or signs of rot. Power wash and reseal if necessary.
- Landscaping: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs, especially those touching the roof or siding.
Interior
- Check for Leaks: Inspect plumbing fixtures and appliances (dishwasher, washing machine) for slow leaks.
- Clean Dryer Vents: A clogged dryer vent is a major fire hazard. Ensure the entire line is clear.
Fall Checklist: Preparing for Winter
Fall is arguably the most critical maintenance season. The goal is to button up the property to protect it from cold, wind, and moisture.
Exterior
- Final Gutter Cleaning: Clear out fallen leaves to prevent ice dams.
- Winterize Sprinklers & Faucets: Drain and shut off exterior water systems to prevent frozen pipes.
- Inspect Windows & Doors: Check for drafts and re-caulk or add weather-stripping as needed to save on heating costs.
Interior
- Service Heating System/Boiler: Schedule a professional tune-up to ensure reliability and safety before the first cold snap.
- Inspect Fireplace/Chimney: Have it professionally cleaned and inspected if the property has a wood-burning fireplace.
Safety
- Test Smoke & CO Detectors (Again): With heating systems turning on, this is a critical time to re-test carbon monoxide detectors.
Winter Checklist: Safety and Prevention
Winter maintenance is focused on safety and preventing damage from ice and cold.
Exterior
- Maintain Safe Access: Ensure walkways, stairs, and driveways are kept clear of snow and ice, as per your lease agreement.
- Check for Ice Dams: After heavy snow, look for large icicles forming at the edge of the roof, which can indicate a problem.
Interior
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: During extreme cold snaps, advise tenants to let faucets drip slowly and keep the heat at a reasonable temperature, even when away.
- Check for Drafts: On a windy day, walk through the property to feel for any significant drafts you may have missed in the fall.
Track Every Maintenance Task, Big and Small
Don't let preventive tasks slip through the cracks. Use Property Aura's maintenance management system to schedule recurring tasks, track tenant requests, and build a complete maintenance history for every property.