Preparing your Delaware or Maryland rental property for the colder months is essential to protect your investment, maintain tenant satisfaction, and prevent costly repairs. Don’t get caught playing catch-up in the cold! MD & DE Lifestyle Realty offers advice and a checklist for winterizing your beach or second home.
Tips for Preparing Your DE or MD Rental for the Colder Months
Reset Thermostats or Install Wifi Controls
As the shoulder season fades away and overnight temperatures get colder, it’s time to adjust thermostat settings to turn the heat on to avoid damage to the home’s plumbing, furnishings, or HVAC system. Late fall is also a great time to change HVAC filters and ensure all of your systems are working efficiently.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Depending on your location, it might be wise to hire a plumber to winterize outdoor faucets. Some rental properties have very little insulation and could be susceptible to frozen pipes. If the property is going to be empty for a long period of time, consider shutting the water off entirely.
Replace Outdoor Light Bulbs
With more hours of darkness each day, making sure your security lighting is operational is key for the winter months when rentals may be occupied less. Check on light bulbs, timers, and electric connections.
Check Exterior Door Seals and Insulation
If heat is your main bill while the property is unoccupied, reducing heat loss is key. It’s wise to replace the foam or rubber seals on exterior doors to prevent drafts. And, adding or repairing insulation is an uncomplicated job that can have big returns.
Clean Drains, Gutters, Branches, and Leaves
Some exterior cleanup is important to make sure that water can drain easily from the property, through fall storms and melting snow. Trim your trees and bushes and clear grassy areas before the weather gets bad.
Our team at MD & DE Lifestyle Realty has experienced real estate professionals who are local to the communities we serve. From managing rental and vacation homes to purchasing your forever home in retirement, we’re committed to helping our clients every step of their real estate journey.
