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With vacation season finally drawing to a close, now’s the time to prepare for cooler temperatures and in a lot of areas, heavy snowfall. Winterizing a rental property is just as important as preparing for any other home for winter. In fact, if the property is going to be vacant, it’s even more important.

Adjust the Thermostat

Depending on where the property is located, and whether it’s going to be vacant, it’s a good idea to adjust the thermostat accordingly. In areas where the temperature never dip below freezing, it’s okay to turn the HVAC off. However, if the property is located known for sub-zero temperatures, leaving the heat on will prevent frozen or burst pipes.

Prevent Unwanted House Guests

Even in homes that are occupied, it’s not uncommon for rodents to seek shelter indoors. But when a property is vacant, it’s a prime situation for rodent infestation. make sure to seal any cracks or crevices mice or other types of rodents can fit through. In addition, if the property is going to be empty until spring, remove any leftover food that can attract rodents. Finally, make sure to take out any trash inside and remove any trash from around the house outside.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Even if the property is only used during the summer, it’s still a good idea to schedule routine HVAC maintenance. This will help prevent any unforeseen issues when the house is occupied next season.

Clean the Chimney

The chimney also needs to be inspected and cleaned, especially if the property is in a wooded area. Chimneys, in addition to ductwork, is another place small critters like to take up residence when it gets too cold.

Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Always double check the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, it’s impossible to know whether there is a leak without one. This is especially if the property is occupied.

With a blink of an eye, winter will arrive, so now’s the best time to prepare your rental property for the upcoming season. If the property is occupied, make sure the tenants know that the appropriate maintenance was performed to ward off possible issues prior to harsh winter conditions.