Seasonal maintenance is vital to ensure your tenants’ safety and to protect your property from damage; summer maintenance is no exception.
A quick preventative maintenance task could easily save you thousands of dollars down the road, so you certainly do not want to skip this responsibility. Now is the time to start on your maintenance tasks and summer event planning so your property is ready for the season. These are the keys to remember in order to tackle those vital summer maintenance tasks.
Typical Summer Maintenance Tasks You Need to Perform:
This comprehensive list will ensure that your property is in tip-top shape. These tasks also address your tenants’ expectations for summer enjoyment, as you address outdoor activities, shared spaces, and amenities.
Pool Safety
Get the pool cleaned and in prime condition for summertime splashes. If you do not have a lifeguard on duty, check to make sure your posted safety signs are visible and aren’t faded by winter weather or the sun. Check that locks and gates are in good condition to further protect young residents in your community.
Outdoor Amenities
Nothing can kill a summer BBQ faster than a grill that runs out of fuel in-between burger flips. If you want your residents to use the community space you provide, make sure the propane tank is full and keep an extra on hand, in case your residents need to make a quick switch.
Pull Out the Summer Maintenance Checklist
Each season calls for different routine maintenance. Your team should be prepared to add summer chores to their to-do list so summer heat doesn’t cause maintenance emergencies.
Summer Checklist Example:
- Servicing the pool,
- Cleaning grills
- Organizing outdoor community areas
- Adjusting the irrigation system
- Getting ready for A/C maintenance calls
Water Use
When the temperatures start to rise, servicing the irrigation system can result in big savings on water usage, prevent landscape damage, and reduce standing water. You should also program your sprinkles to optimal summer use settings, to keep your landscape looking fresh and reduce overwatering.
Fire Wise
Make sure your property is prepped for high heat and that any fire dangers are removed. Outside bushes and trees should be trimmed backed and dead plants removed. Additionally, make sure any grills owned by the property or your tenants are properly ventilated and positioned away from buildings. Make sure to double-check your local laws about fire extinguisher requirements for landlords.
Service the Air Conditioners
Enlist the help of a professional to service the A/C unit at least once a year. They will be able to check the unit, clean coils, adjust dampers, and look for any other potential problems. It is also important to remove trees, debris, or trash that can obstruct proper operation. These measures can prolong the life of a heating and air system.
Check Outdoor Furniture
Multifamily renters are about to spend more time outdoors, which means any chairs, tables, and umbrellas are going to get a lot of use. Your property will be more inviting and safer if those community fixtures work properly.
Send a Friendly Rule Reminder to Residents
The warm weather and late sunset can bring people outside late into the night. Remind your residents of the complex’s quiet hours and any rules about using the pool, grills, and community amenities. Make sure to include information about your guest policies and parking. Be sure to remind your residents about any state and local distancing requirements.
Check for Summer-Related State and Local Requirements
Did you know that in Washington, D.C. the housing code requires landlords to put screens on windows and doors from March 15 through November 15 to protect tenants from insects and pests? Ensure you follow state and local laws for seasonal requirements like this for landlord compliance.
Don’t Forget About Renewals
Capitalizing on summer fun by using this time to ask for renewals while spirits are high. If you host community events, like a BBQ or pool party, and offer renewal incentives. The more you remind your tenants about how much fun it is to live in your property, the more likely they will stay.
As the nation begins to open up, you may be inclined to resume your property’s normal summer events. Keep in mind any local area restrictions before you invest in a plan. Consider your event activities and layout and attempt to build more natural social distancing for those that need it. A little extra planning can keep everyone safe while finally enjoying the usual summer fun.
Final Thoughts:
Completing seasonal maintenance is always a chore, but these new obstacles can make them even more challenging to check off your to-do list. Having a clear understanding of your goals for your property during the summer season will ensure that you are able to form a clear plan and tackle maintenance accordingly.