Summer Tips for Caring for Your Rental Property 

Summer tips are essential for rental property owners and landlords as the season inches closer and closer! With the anticipated heat and more outdoor activities, maintenance is key to ensuring tenant comfort and improving the property value. In this blog post, we'll explore essential summer tips for caring for your rental property, resulting in happy tenants and a beautiful property no matter the season! 

Schedule HVAC Maintenance 

One of the most vital systems of a summer property is the air conditioning. Unless you have plenty of experience, it's best to schedule a professional inspection and maintenance service before the summer heat sets in. As always, remember to clean or replace air filters and check the refrigerant levels to keep tenants cool and comfortable all season long.  

Keep in mind that you don't only need professional services when there is an issue or necessary repair. HVAC maintenance each season keeps the system running efficiently and prevents future problems and high repair costs. 

Check for Air Leaks and Insulation 

Working directly with the air conditioning, the insulation and sealing of the home is essential for being comfortable indoors and reducing energy costs during the summer. Inspect doors, windows, and other openings for air leaks, then seal the gaps with weatherstripping or caulking.  

Inspect the Roof and Attic 

Because summer weather can be harsh and unpredictable, remember to check the roof for signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or water stains. Inspect the attic for the proper ventilation and insulation, preventing heat buildup and costly, dangerous moisture issues.  

Working in the attic or on the roof of a house requires skill, caution, and the right knowledge. If you're not hiring professionals for your roof and attic maintenance, you must prioritize safety above all! Here are some safety tips: 

• Use appropriate safety gear such as non-slip footwear, gloves, and a safety harness if necessary.  
• Ensure the ladder is stable and securely positioned before climbing onto the roof. 
• Have someone with you in case of emergency. 
• Do plenty of research before assessing the condition of the roof and attic on your own. 

Maintain Outdoor Spaces 

Outdoor spaces are popular amenities for tenants during the summer months. So, it's important to keep these areas clean and well-maintained. Below are the top three outdoor maintenance tasks every landlord should keep up with in the summer: 

1 | Check the Gutters 

Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, dirt, twigs, and more to prevent clogging and water damage. Depending on where you are in the world, summer storms can bring heavy rainfall, so it's crucial to keep the drainage clear and intact to protect the roof, siding, and foundation of the rental property. About twice a month or more, check the gutters and make sure they are cleaned and ready for the rain. The last thing you need is puddles forming around the foundation, causing bigger issues, like pest infestations or expensive water damage. 

2 | Trim Trees and Shrubs 

Overgrown trees and shrubs can produce various issues for a rental property, especially during summer. Trim back branches to prevent them from touching the roof or siding, and remove any dead trees that could fall and cause damage. Trimming branches and shrubs also prevents pests from having easy access to the home as they escape the summer heat. 

3 | Clear Debris 

One of the top summer tips is regularly cleaning outdoor surfaces and furniture to remove dirt, pollen, and debris. No tenant wants to spend time outside in the beautiful summer weather when the furniture is caked with dusty dirt. 

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition by testing them regularly during the summer. Replace batteries as needed and install new detectors if necessary to protect tenants from potential safety hazards. 

Pest Control and Prevention 

Implement pest control measures to prevent infestations of insects, rodents, or other critters during the summer months. Some basic summer tips for pest control and prevention are to seal cracks and openings, keep outdoor trash cans securely closed, and remove standing water to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other creepy crawlers. 

Common Summer Pests 

Depending on where you are in the world, you will have different pest problems. In general, the following pests are what landlords should keep an eye out for and actively prevent: 

• Mosquitoes 
• Ants 
• Flies 
• Wasps and bees 
• Ticks 
• Spiders 
• Roaches 
• Fleas 
• Mice and rats 
• Termites 

Inspect Pool and Pool Equipment 

A pool is a valuable feature at a rental in the heat of the summer! If your rental property has a pool, regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure it remains clean, safe, and operational during the hotter months. Check pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters for proper functioning, and schedule routine cleanings to maintain water quality.  

Consider hiring professionals to do more inspections and maintenance if many groups of tourists and families stay at your property in the summer, ensuring the amenities are fresh and clean for each visit. 

Stay Connected with Tenants 

Communication is one of the most essential elements of a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Keep tenants informed about any scheduled maintenance or repairs, and address their concerns as soon as possible to make them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for at your rental in the summer months. 

Document and Keep Records 

As always, keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections conducted on the rental property. Documentation helps track the property's maintenance history and provides valuable evidence in case of disputes or legal issues. Not to mention, sharing it with tenants gives them peace of mind and ultimately boosts the quality of their experience at your property. 

CITED: Suncoastrentals.com, Fasdcrentals.com, Rentecdirect.com