The harshness of winter can wreak havoc on a home, and rental properties often fall into disrepair simply because nobody keeps up on regular annual outdoor maintenance. When both the tenants and the landlord think “It’s not my job to clean the gutters,” the result can be a flooded basement — a potentially much more expensive nuisance than cleaning leaves out of the gutters would have been in the first place.
Landlords should stop by their rental properties every spring to make a note of anything damaged on the building that needs to be repaired or replaced — gutters, siding, shutters, even lamp post light bulbs — and take a close look at the grounds for any hazards that should be dealt with immediately. A dead or diseased tree poses a risk, as do large branches and limbs that look like they could fall with the help of a stiff breeze. Look for holes in the ground from animals that may have burrowed in during the winter, and whether there are significant cracks in the sidewalk or driveway that should be fixed.
Check the gutters and downspouts for leaves and other debris that can clog the flow of water off the roof, and reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. It’s also a good idea to clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Also check wood surfaces for signs of weathering, and repair, re-paint and re-stain when necessary.
A thorough inspection could also include checking the caulking, weather stripping around windowsills and doors, and cleaning and patching window screens. And even if it’s the tenant’s job to do yard work, the landlord should ensure the removal of any vegetation that’s touching the house.
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