If you own a rental property in Boston, whether it’s a single-family home, duplex, triplex or something else, you know that spring maintenance is important – you have to maintain your property to preserve its value. Check out these five spring maintenance tasks you need to check off your To-Do list this month.
5 Must-Do Spring Maintenance Tasks for Your Boston Rental Property
Naturally, you can coordinate with your property manager to contract out these tasks – or you might take the DIY route. Either way, these are the five things you need to do this spring:
- Clean the gutters
- Have the roof inspected
- Check for moisture problems or deterioration
- Look for cracks in the driveway and sidewalks, and check outdoor stair railings
- Check up on the landscaping
Here’s a closer look at each.
Spring Maintenance Task #1 for Your Boston Rental Property: Clean the Gutters
After a long winter, it’s important to clean out your gutters. Make sure they’re free of debris, including leaf litter and twigs, so that when the spring rains begin, there’s a clear path available for water. While you’re cleaning the gutters, check them for damage; sometimes, during winter, snow runoff from the roof re-freezes and causes gutters to crack or separate at the seams.
Spring Maintenance Task #2 for Your Boston Rental Property: Have the Roof Inspected
Most roofing companies offer free annual inspections, so call a team of professionals to check the roof on your investment property. You’ll be able to find out whether there’s any damage – and you can hire the same company to fix it if there is. Often, making small roof repairs as necessary can save you from having to pay for a complete roof replacement, at least for a few years.
Spring Maintenance Task #3 for Your Boston Rental Property: Check for Moisture Problems or Deterioration
Inspect the attic for moisture. You can do that by looking for damp spots, places affected by frost, or areas that show signs of water incursion. You should also check for mold and mildew while you’re there.
Spring Maintenance Task #4 for Your Boston Rental Property: Look for Cracks in the Driveway and Sidewalks, and Check Outdoor Stair Railings
Do a visual inspection of the driveway and sidewalks leading up to the property. If you notice cracks or other damage, repair them before they become a hazard. While you’re there, check outdoor stair railings – those leading up to porches and upstairs apartments – to make sure they haven’t been damaged by winter weather. You could be held liable if a stair railing fails, so it’s in your best interest to ensure they’re in good repair.
Spring Maintenance Task #5 for Your Boston Rental Property: Check Up on the Landscaping
Inspect the lawn to check grading and drainage, and make sure there aren’t any holes or other hazards present. See if the area needs to be treated for weeds or pests, and make sure all the fencing is in good shape. You should also visually inspect trees that are close to the home; they may need to be pruned back to prevent damage during spring storms.
Do You Need to Talk to a Property Manager?
We’re here to help you every step of the way – all you need to do is sit back and collect your rent payments.
Call us at 617-262-3075 or fill out the form below now to find out how we can take all the stress out of renting out a property in Boston. We’ll take it from here!
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