Is Your Rental Property Ready for Fall? A Seasonal Checklist for Augusta-Area Owners
September in Augusta may not exactly feel like fall. Temperatures can stay warm well into the season, but that does not mean rental property owners should wait for that first cool breeze to start thinking about maintenance. After months of summer heat, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and constant HVAC use, early fall is a good opportunity to inspect your rental property and address smaller concerns before colder weather arrives. Inspecting both the interior and exterior is an important part of preparing for the season ahead. While Augusta-area owners may not need to prepare for six feet of snow, fall rental property maintenance can still help protect the property’s condition and performance.
So, what should rental property owners prioritize this fall?
What Fall Maintenance Should Rental Property Owners Prioritize?
Fall maintenance for rental properties should focus on the areas that experienced the most wear during summer while also preparing major systems and exterior features for cooler weather.
Have the HVAC System Checked After a Long Summer
Checking the HVAC system after an Augusta summer should be a no-brainer. In fact, having it inspected and cleaned at least once per year is good practice. Setting this routine maintenance task for the fall is a good way to minimize the risk of your tenants facing HVAC issues when the temperatures do finally start to drop.
Inspect the Roof, Gutters, and Drainage
During the fall, make sure your rental property’s gutters and drainage system are working properly. Leaves from summer storms (and fall itself) fall on roofs and end up clogging gutters. Leaves and other debris can clog gutters, contribute to moisture problems, and prevent water from draining properly. Make sure that water can drain off of your roof and away from your home’s foundation!
While looking at your gutters, make sure to also inspect your roof, one of the property’s primary protections against rain, wind, and winter weather. If you do not have anyone to safely climb up and professionally inspect the roof, just walk the perimeter of the home and keep an eye out for any holes, loose or missing shingles, dents, sags, or anything that looks unusual.
Check Trees, Limbs, and the Home’s Exterior
When inspecting the roof, it is important to also take a look at the home’s overall exterior. Check for peeling paint or damaged siding, but also take a look around the yard. Are there overgrown tree limbs near the roof, windows, fences, or driveway? Are the fence and driveway in good shape themselves?
Storm concerns do not automatically disappear when summer ends. Tropical systems can still affect the CSRA during the fall, and colder weather can eventually bring occasional freezing conditions. Checking the home’s exterior now can help identify damaged limbs, loose fencing, roof concerns, and other problems before the next severe-weather event.
Look for Plumbing Leaks and Water Damage
While inspecting the roof, gutters, and such, this is also a good opportunity to keep an eye out for any water damage or potential leaks. Check under sinks, around toilets and water heaters, and near visible plumbing for signs of moisture or leaks. Outdoor faucets and exposed plumbing may also need attention before freezing temperatures arrive. If you notice a concern, a licensed plumber can help determine the appropriate repair or winterization steps.
Do Not Forget the Inside of the Rental Property
Everything listed above is important, but do not forget to inspect parts of the inside of the rental property as well! Check any major appliances that you provide to the tenant, safety equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, doors and windows for air leaks, and general property condition. Also keep an eye out for any signs of mold or pests.
Fall Is a Good Time to Review Your Maintenance Records
After inspecting everything, don’t just make a mental note that everything looks okay. Fall is a good time to update and review maintenance records and documents on your rental property. This information helps you plan in the future rather than react.
A couple of questions to consider while reviewing maintenance records: what needed repairing this summer? Which systems have already been repaired multiple times before and required more maintenance again? How old are the major systems? Are all warranties and receipts documented? What may need replacement next year? Any tenant complains?
Should You Schedule a Rental Property Inspection in the Fall?
Fall can be a useful time to schedule a routine rental property inspection, particularly after a demanding Augusta summer. An inspection can help document the property’s condition and identify maintenance concerns before cooler weather arrives.
Property owners do not have to coordinate all of this themselves. Professional property management can help schedule inspections, communicate with tenants, coordinate trusted vendors, and follow up on maintenance concerns.
Why Fall Rental Property Maintenance Matters in Augusta
In a place like Augusta, we are not necessarily preparing for some brutal northern winter. However, after months of heat, humidity, heavy HVAC use, and storms, owners have an opportunity to evaluate their property’s condition before cooler weather arrives. You will have time to fix anything that needs to be fixed, check the overall status of your rental, and plan for upcoming expenses.
Protect Your Rental Property Before the Seasons Change
Seasonal maintenance does not guarantee that an unexpected repair will never happen. However, inspecting your property regularly can help identify smaller concerns, provide better maintenance records, and give you more time to plan for upcoming repairs or replacements.
If you own a rental property in Augusta, Evans, or the surrounding CSRA, Sherman & Hemstreet can help coordinate inspections, maintenance, and trusted vendors throughout the year, not just when the seasons change. Contact our property management team to learn more.