The Complete Spring Maintenance Guide for Property Managers

It’s official! Spring has sprung and warmer weather is on the horizon in many parts of the country. For residents, this means pool parties and outdoor barbecues. For property managers and landlords, it’s a whole different story. The departure of winter means it is time to inspect your properties for any damage the cold, snow, and ice may have caused and prepare for the summer heat. To help, we’ve compiled a list of spring maintenance tasks that you should consider this season.

Spring Maintenance Exterior Tasks

Landscaping

What’s the first thing that happens when the weather warms up? People want to get outside. Inspect the landscaping at your property to see what needs to be shaped up this season: trees and shrubs, new soil or lawn fertilizer, flower beds, etc. These tasks are critical for the TLC of your grounds as summer nears.

Power wash decks, steps, sidewalks

If your property’s units include decks or patios, now is the perfect time to get them in pristine condition. For instance, power washing an outdoor deck each year keeps it looking new and gives you the opportunity to address any havoc caused by winter weather.

Paint the exterior

Spring is a great time to give the exterior of your property a face lift, and a fresh coat of paint works wonders. Whether you decide to paint the entire property or just spruce up the front doors, this task will give your property instant added curb appeal.

Clean the gutters

Debris can clog gutters over time as leaves, branches, and grime fall onto the roof. The buildup can take a toll, causing gutters to rip off or starting leaks that damage the walls, siding, and roofs. Water leaks can also develop into mold, which leads to health issues and additional maintenance costs.

A/C maintenance

Extremely low temperatures can affect your air conditioning systems, triggering problems when your tenants decide it’s time to start up the A/C. It’s important to inspect your units in the spring to make sure everything is intact (panels, pipe insulation, outdoor coil). If you cover the coils for winter, make sure to remove the covers before your residents re-start their systems.

Re-caulk doors and windows

Caulk on windows and doors may have worn during the winter months. Inspect these areas on the exterior of your buildings and re-caulk as needed. Test for any air leaks as well—you don’t want the cool air inside your units escaping through unfilled cracks.

Check wood trim

Inspect any exposed wood on porches, decks, doors, and windows for rot, insect damage, etc. and take the necessary steps to repair. Getting this task completed during early spring will benefit you in the short and long run.

Replace torn window screens

Examine the windows of your property and make sure the screens are in good shape. Holes and tears make it easier for pests to get into your units. If you spot any damaged window screens, be sure to replace them so your residents can enjoy the warmer weather that’s heading our way.

Tune up outdoor grills

If your property offers residents access to outdoor gas grills, you’ll want to make sure they are tuned up and ready for BBQ season. Give your grills a deep cleaning, replace the grates as needed, prep the propane, and then you’ll be ready to go!

Replace broken lights and check patio furniture

Outdoor lighting on walkways/patios may have been damaged during the winter—replacing bad bulbs and lighting equipment will help tenants feel secure on your property at night. If you have an outdoor area that has furnishings, conduct a quick inspection to make sure the cushions aren’t worn and the furniture is in safe, usable condition for your residents.

Spring Maintenance Interior Tasks

Spray for pests

People aren’t the only ones who want to hibernate during frigid months. As temperatures warm up, pests will come out of hiding as well. You’ll want to wipe down windows, as well as check/treat for ants, wasps, cockroaches, and other pests that may have overwintered in your units.

Plumbing

Preparing your plumbing for the spring is different than prepping for the colder months. Now is the time to do a few basic tests to make sure your systems are working properly. Check both indoor and outdoor faucets, pipes, and sump pumps, as well as irrigation systems and patio drains. Changes in temperature can cause leaks and blockages, which you’ll want to fix right away.

Drain and inspect water heaters

During the winter, sediment can build up in hot water tanks. How much/how fast sediment builds up will depend on where you live and also what type of tank you have. Draining the sediment will help your water heaters last longer. This is also a good time to double check temperature gauges and reset them for the spring if needed.

Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

If your units contain battery-powered detectors, remind your tenants or task your maintenance team with changing the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spring is also an ideal time to run tests to make sure all safety systems on your property are working correctly to ensure everyone is protected.

Change filters

As the seasons change, indoor air filters are likely ready for a change as well. Changing furnace and A/C filters ensures that your tenants are getting the maximum benefits from your property’s HVAC systems. Air filters defend your units from countless air pollutants that your residents would prefer to stay outside. Plus, dirty A/C filters don’t just hurt your air quality; they hurt your wallet.

Check dryer vents for lint

This task may seem simple, but it’s extremely important and often overlooked. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that from 2018 to 2020, the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryers in homes was the failure to clean them. When ducts, hoses, and vents are congested with lint buildup, dryers can overheat, causing a fire to ignite.

Clean carpets

If you live in a part of the country that receives heavy snowfall during the winter, use this time to inspect the carpets in your units. Snow, slush, and salt were likely tracked in throughout the cold months, making flooring look dirty and damaged. Inspect, clean, and repair/replace as needed.

Keep Track of Spring Maintenance with Rent Manager

As you’re knocking out these spring to-do’s, keep track of all your maintenance tasks in Rent Manager. Use service issues to create, follow, manage, and resolve tasks all within your database. Furthermore, if your service issues require several steps, issue checklists can help you complete them.

Conclusion

While our spring maintenance guide is extensive, managing these tasks now can save you financially in the future. We hope this checklist helps get your properties in tip-top shape this season!