Although Las Vegas is not known for harsh winters like other parts of the country, it is still important to protect your rental property from potential damage and unsafe conditions that could happen when the weather is cold. As the fall season comes to a close, it is a good time to focus on essential winter maintenance and repairs that will keep tenants happy and your rental property in optimal shape.

Here are 10 winter maintenance tips for Henderson and Las Vegas property owners and landlords to help you stay on top of your investment.

1. Prepare Landscaping for Cold Weather

One of the most important things you can do before winter hits is prep the yard and landscaping for the cold months ahead. Winters in Las Vegas and Henderson can get particularly windy, so trimming back tree branches and bushes is a good idea. While this keeps debris from collecting in the yard, it will also prevent fallen branches from damaging the roof or creating safety hazards in walkways and driveways.

Additionally, be sure to adjust your sprinkler system watering schedule. Southern Nevada is very strict on water conservation and only allows watering on certain days during winter. Check with the water utility company to see what days your area is zoned for watering.

2. Inspect the Property Exterior and Foundation

Another thing to do for winter maintenance is thoroughly check the exterior of the rental property for cracks, broken pavement, or other damage that could lead to dangerous conditions. Also, rain and other winter weather could make this damage worse, which may require extensive repairs. Catching potential problems early can save you a lot of money and stress down the road.

3. Winterize Pipes and Outdoor Plumbing

Although Southern Nevada does not usually get snow in the winter, it is not unusual for temperatures to drop below freezing at night in some areas of Las Vegas and Henderson. When it gets that cold, you run the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. If you live in regions that experience below-freezing nights, be sure to install insulation around outdoor pipes and plumbing fixtures to prevent serious damage.

4. Service the HVAC System

Even if your tenant says the heater is fine, scheduling an inspection and full service of the HVAC system is vital. A professional will ensure the system is working the way it should and catch any issues early before they can affect your tenants.

Changing the filters and cleaning air ducts in your central heating system will keep it working as efficiently as possible, while also improving air quality in the home. Just be sure to check with your tenant to see when you can schedule this service because the maintenance workers will likely need to enter the rental property.

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5. Pool Maintenance

If your Henderson or Las Vegas rental property has a pool, now is a good time to get it ready for winter. Again, it is unlikely that it will get cold enough for the pool to completely freeze. However, it will probably be too cold in the winter for your tenant to regularly use the pool.

If your lease agreement states that you are responsible for pool maintenance, work with a pool service professional to winterize the pool. This may include:

• Treating pool water with chemicals to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
• Thoroughly cleaning the pool and all filters.
• Lowering the pool water to prevent damage if the water does freeze.
• Removing pool accessories.
• Applying a cover over the pool.

6. Check Weather Strips on Windows and Doors

During your inspection of the rental property before winter, be sure to carefully look at all the windows and doors during your winter maintenance checks. If the weather strips are damaged or missing, this is the perfect time to replace them. This simple insulation fix will keep the cold air out and the warm air in, saving on heating costs and keeping your tenants comfortable all winter. Replacing weatherstripping can also keep unwanted pests out of your rental property!

7. Schedule Pest Prevention Services

As the temperatures drop, many Las Vegas pests may be in search of somewhere warm and dry where they can wait out the winter. Unfortunately, this means they could set up shop in your rental property if you are not careful. Schedule professional pest control treatment to spot potential entryways for rodents and bugs and take preventative measures to keep them out.

Common winter pests that can cause problems in Las Vegas include:

• Rodents
• Scorpions
• Spiders
• Cockroaches

8. Service the Water Heater

Another essential step in preparing your Henderson or Las Vegas rental property for winter is servicing the water heater. During colder months, the demand on water heaters is generally higher than in other seasons. One way to keep it working efficiently is to flush it out to remove residue and sediment that has settled on the bottom. This can improve heating speed, lower costs, and extend the life of the water heater.

9. Clean Out Gutters

Cleaning out gutters should definitely be a priority as you get ready for colder temperatures and possibly more wet weather in Las Vegas and Henderson. It is true that many Henderson and Las Vegas homes do not have gutters because this desert region does not get much rain. However, there are many properties that do have gutters that can easily become clogged throughout the year. If your rental property does have gutters, make sure you inspect them and clear them of debris to prevent property damage when it rains.

10. Check Smoke Detectors

Another quick thing you can do that will make a big difference is to check all the smoke detectors and other fire prevention systems in the home or unit. During winter, your tenants may decide to enjoy the fireplace more often or light candles for a cozy night in. All of these things could increase the risk of a fire. Installing smoke alarms and ensuring they are in working order helps to prevent serious damage and injuries if something goes wrong.

Stay on Top of Winter Maintenance with a Las Vegas Property Manager

Black & Cherry property management offers professional Henderson and Las Vegas property management services for landlords and rental property owners in Las Vegas and Henderson who need support to streamline their rental operations. Contact our property management team to learn how we can help you with property maintenance, tenant screening, advertising your rental vacancies, rent collection, and more!