After long months of summer heat, fall is usually a welcome relief. However, for landlords, it means it is time to prepare their properties for the cooler, wet weather ahead. It is essential to conduct maintenance inspections and make necessary repairs during this crucial time before the harsh winter months take a toll.

To keep your rental properties safe and your tenants happy, here are 10 fall maintenance tips for landlords from our Henderson and Las Vegas property management team.

1. Check the Roof

Ensuring your rental property’s roof is in good working order should be the first of our maintenance tips you do this fall. A strong roof means your tenants are protected from the elements, and you can avoid hazardous conditions that could potentially cost you in more ways than one.

For example, water may start to pool on weak areas of the roof, causing leaks that may eventually lead to significant water damage. Damp insulation may develop mold that can make tenants sick if inhaled. Apart from expensive repairs, you could face legal action for failing to keep your property safe.

When inspecting the roof:

• Clear all debris, including leaves and dead branches.
• Check that all shingles or roof tiles are intact, and that none are missing.
• Carefully look for signs of weakened or uneven areas.
• Hire a professional if your tenants have previously complained of leaks.

If you find any problems, no matter how minor they may seem, it is a good idea to repair them before they become major issues.

2. Trim the Trees and Bushes

With fall weather comes dry leaves and falling debris from trees and bushes on your property. To avoid big messes and fire hazards, try getting ahead of it by trimming the trees and bushes. Also, keeping trees short and landscaping neat reduces the risk of branches falling onto the roof or damaging other parts of the property if it happens to be windy.

Lastly, clean landscaping means fewer pests and insects living on your rental property. As the weather gets cooler, some of these pests may try to make their way inside to stay warm. Trimming overhanging branches and maintaining landscaping will help to keep these unwanted visitors in check.

3. Replace Weatherstrips on Windows and Doors

Another one of our vital maintenance tips for landlords is to take the time to inspect the weatherstripping on all the doors and windows. The summer heat can do some damage to weatherstrips, especially in harsher desert areas like Las Vegas. Unsealed openings will leave the property open to drafts and higher heating bills.

It is generally a quick and cost-effective fix to replace old weatherstrips, and your tenants will stay comfortable throughout the fall and winter months. It also means the HVAC system will not have to work overtime to heat the property.

4. Replace Old HVAC Filters

Checking and replacing HVAC filters is something landlords should do at least once a year, and fall is a great time to stay on top of it. After running the air conditioner all summer, filters will likely need replacement. Furthermore, it is best to have clean filters before the central heating system needs to kick into full gear during the winter.

5. Check the Property for Holes and Cracks

While you are inspecting your rental property this fall, be sure to check for cracks or holes in the walls and foundation. While these openings can create drafts in the home or unit, they will also provide easy access for rodents, insects, and other pests looking for shelter from the cold or rain. Some insects can fit through the tiniest cracks, so it is best not to ignore minor holes. Do your best to patch the holes or hire an experienced repair professional to fix them.

6. Adjust Sprinkler Systems

In many cities with water restrictions, including Las Vegas and Henderson, watering allowances change with the seasons. Check with your city’s regulations for your area and reduce watering to only those days for the maximum amount of time. Not only will this help you avoid fines, but it will keep your water bills low and save much-needed water.

7. Clean Gutters and Drains

If your property has gutters and an outdoor drainage system, now is the time to clean them up. Clear out leaves, dirt, pine needles, and other debris that can clog them up and cause flooding or damage. There could also be branches, vines, or tree roots in the drain that may be difficult to remove on your own. In these cases, consider working with a professional plumber to clear the drain.

8. Check the Fireplace and Chimney

For rental properties with a fireplace and chimney, it is important to check and clean them at least once a year. Fall is the ideal time to do this because your tenants will most likely use the fireplace in the coming weeks or months. Chimney maintenance is crucial because buildup in the chimney can create hazardous conditions with poor ventilation and the risk of fires.

9. Maintain Common Outdoor Areas

As we say farewell to summer, landlords should also consider updating outdoor common areas, including the pool, fire pits, barbeque, and picnic areas, to be more season appropriate. If it is likely that they will not be used as much, you may want to cover chairs, tables, or other outdoor furniture to protect them from the weather.

You may need to temporarily close some areas to prevent slips and falls. Also, check for loose cement, gravel, or cracks in the pavement that could make the ground even more dangerous when wet.

10. Be Respectful of Your Tenants

Above all, remember to be respectful of your tenant’s privacy. This is the “golden rule” of our maintenance tips. If you have several things on your fall maintenance checklist and need access to the property while tenants are living in it, be sure to reach out in advance and schedule a time that is convenient for them. Try to get as much done at once — the less disruption, the better!

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Working With a Professional Property Manager

It is common for landlords to get overwhelmed by the volume of preventative maintenance and repairs that need to happen, especially if you have multiple rental properties. However, it is important to stay on top of it to avoid more extensive problems in the future. Following these maintenance tips will help put landlords ahead of their competition. If you need help, consider working with a professional property management company.

The Las Vegas and Henderson property management team at Black & Cherry can help landlords streamline the process, including essential property inspections, maintenance, and repairs. We also have contracts with maintenance professionals in the area, so you can keep costs low and tenant satisfaction high. To learn more about our services, contact our property management team today for a consultation!