What Should Landlords Plan Each Spring? A Prep Guide

Spring can feel like the season of fresh starts and unexpected allergies. If you’re a landlord, this time of year isn’t just about trying to remember where you stored your garden tools, it’s also the perfect moment to tackle those tasks that got lost in the winter doldrums. 

Between leaky faucets, resurrecting flower beds, and calming anxious tenants, spring can be a handful. But with a little foresight, you can keep everything under control. 

So, here’s a laid-back, no-frills guide to getting your property in tip-top shape before the summer heat arrives and turns every day into a quest for air conditioning.

Begin With A Full Walkthrough

I used to rely on memory alone to figure out which parts of my units needed attention each spring. Spoiler: it wasn’t a great system. 

I’d get calls weeks later from my renters complaining about stuff I’d completely missed, like the time a broken screen was letting in so many flies, one tenant joked he felt like he was living in a bug sanctuary. Now, I start with a thorough inspection.

Go room by room, and don’t forget about nooks and crannies. Check for cracks in the walls, ceiling leaks, or doors that like to squeak at 3 a.m. 

Make it a point to dig below the surface when doing such inspections, this includes things like septic tank maintenance, which homeowners love to ignore, even though this responsibility primarily lies with them.

Keep a list, yes, an actual written list, even if it’s just on the notepad app on your phone, because you’ll find things faster than you can fix them. That visual record ensures you don’t forget any loose ends. 

If you have them, take a second to glance at the basement and attic. These areas can become havens for moisture, mold, or curious critters if left unchecked. The older the property, the more likely you’ll uncover something that needs attention. Keep an open mind and don’t let the weird smells scare you off.

Spruce Up Outdoor Spaces

After you’re done rummaging through the cabinets indoors, consider stepping outside to truly size up the place. Check the state of your landscaping, is it looking tired? Have the recent winter storms shifted a few patio stones or broken some fence posts?

Pay close attention and make notes of anything that’s not just an eyesore, but could become a significant safety concern, because things like busted porch steps are essentially lawsuits waiting to happen.

Don’t forget basic landscaping prep, like weeding flower beds, raking up leftover leaves, and adding fresh mulch where needed. Sprucing up the curb appeal can do wonders for tenant satisfaction. It also lets you spot any potential drainage issues before they become unplanned swimming pools in your yard.

Make Sure Heating & Cooling Systems Are Ready

Spring is that awkward in-between phase where it’s not freezing enough for full-blast heat, but not so hot you’re melting on the couch. 

That’s precisely why it’s the best moment to get your HVAC units and furnaces checked out. Ever had your A/C conk out on the hottest day of the year? I have, and let me tell you, negotiating rent discounts while you and your tenant sweat buckets is not fun.

Schedule a routine inspection of the HVAC system, replace dirty air filters, and clear out debris from around external units. 

For older furnaces, it’s also smart to see if you can upgrade a few components or at least have them professionally cleaned. There’s nothing like a well-maintained climate system to keep your tenants happy and your maintenance calls minimal.

Investigate Pest Problems

The season of new blooms is also the season of new bug invasions. Ants tend to pop up out of nowhere, mice might be emerging from winter hideouts, and other critters could decide your property looks like a decent place to squat. 

To avoid your own squirrel soap opera, seal up any holes or gaps in the siding. If you suspect you’ve got an infestation, call in the pros. 

DIY pest control can lead to patchy results and might even land you in more trouble if not done properly. Regular exterminator visits (if needed) can also be a good preventative measure. It’s better to pay for the occasional spray than to deal with a full-blown bug rebellion.

Spring is basically nature’s way of hitting the refresh button. As a landlord, it’s also the perfect reminder to get your act together for the rest of the year. 

Whether you’re reclaiming your yard from winter’s grasp, double-checking your HVAC setup, or putting a stop to unwanted pest visitors, each step can help you sail into summer without major meltdowns (literally and figuratively).

Consider this your annual pep talk to stay on top of it all, and trust me, your future self will be grateful, and property and tenants will thank you for it.

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