Summer means the end of the school year, and with that end comes many new beginnings. It’s the time of the year when families will move while the children are out of school, college students will move near campus, and post-graduates will try to move closer to their new jobs. With all the warm weather brings, summer is the busiest time of year in the real estate market. To help you get your property ready for the business boom, learn how to prepare your rental for the summer.
Inspect the HVAC System and Ductwork
In the summer, your property’s air quality and airflow are incredibly important, as well as HVAC efficiency. No one wants to deal with an AC that won’t cool during the hottest days of the year, so inspect all the air conditioning systems and the ductwork. If these aspects of your rental are not maintained, it will take more energy for the home to cool, drastically increasing energy bills. Additionally, ensure ductwork is free of furniture blockages and mold, and ensure there are no gaps in your windows or doors to keep cool air from escaping.
Check Dryer Vents
Dryer vents allow the heat that a dryer emits to escape. Improperly attached or blocked vents are a fire hazard, especially in hot weather. Clothing lint is very flammable, and campers even use it as a fire starter, so checking your dryer vents between tenants or having tenants check during the summer is essential. If clothes aren’t drying well, are too hot to touch, or there’s a burning smell emitting from the dryer, it’s likely due to dryer vent issues.
Make Landscaping and Bug-Proofing a Priority
With warm weather comes more blooms, and with more blooms comes more bugs. During the summer, people like to spend time outside, and renters will look for a well-maintained landscape. Trim trees and shrubs, cut the lawn, ensure the sprinklers function, and clean outdoor amenities such as pools, furniture, and grills.
Now is also an excellent time to contact pest control to bug-proof the home and make sure mosquitoes, ants, and roaches don’t take up residence. This is especially pertinent when you’re maintaining a vacant rental property, and pests can quickly get out of control.
Test Fire Alarms and Detectors
You should check fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors between tenants, but as fires become more common in the summer, it’s essential to check them if you haven’t. A fire inspector can help ensure everything is in working order and up to code. Fire safety codes vary by state, so you want to hire a professional to check that your rental meets local requirements.
Now that you know how to prepare your rental property for the summer, you’re ready to take in the new tenants that the weather brings and keep current tenants feeling cool and happy!
