Seasonal Maintenance for Your Student Rental Properties

Maintenance requests come up a lot when you manage a property. However, there are maintenance options that you can do seasonally to help keep your student rental properties looking good and in good form. These things may seem simple, but they can have an impact on how your tenants view and use the amenities available.

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Power wash common areas

During the spring and summer months, tenants will want to spend time outside in outdoor common areas since the weather is getting nice. Student tenants may want to study and do homework outside. One of the best ways to make sure outdoor common areas look great is to power wash the areas. This way, tenants can spend time outside in nice weather and be in a place that is clean and maintained. Dirt and grime likely built up over the winter, especially with snow and salt, so power washing these areas can make your property look good as new.

Landscaping

The winter months are dark and gloomy. In the spring, do some landscaping around your property to add some fresh colors to your property. Remove any weeds that may have popped up and plant flowers of all colors of the rainbow. This will give tenants something beautiful to look at as they are going in and out of your property. If you have outdoor seating in common areas, adding some colorful plants can make the areas more inviting to spend time in.

Patio furniture care

If you have outdoor seating areas for your tenants, you likely have patio furniture for them to sit in. When you are setting up your patios in the spring and summer for seasonal use, inspect the furniture for any potential breaks and damage. This way, your tenants will not get hurt if a piece of furniture breaks while they are using it. If there is damage, try fixing it, but if a piece cannot be fixed, you may have to replace it. Before putting the furniture out, be sure to clean it so it looks good in the space it is being used in.

Open and clean your pool

If you have a pool for your tenants, spring is the perfect time to open it and get it ready for use. As part of the process, it is essential that you clean it and shock it so that algae is cleared from the pool. Examine the pool for any holes in the lining that may cause water to leak from the pool. Use a net to catch leaves, bugs, and any other debris that may have made its way into the pool. Getting the pool ready for your tenants to use in warm weather will allow them to take a break and have some fun.

Check weatherstripping and insulation

In the fall, check on the weatherstripping and insulation around your property. This is a good thing to complete before the bitter cold winter comes, especially since the bulk of this work must be done outdoors. You may want to include it in your fall inspection or have it be its own inspection. Not only will this keep your tenants feeling comfortable, but it will also help save money on utility costs since you and your tenants will be using the proper amount of heat.

Trim tree branches

In the fall, go around your property and check to see if any branches need to be trimmed. It is important to prioritize branches that can cause damage to your property. During the fall months, trees lose their leaves, so it is easier to see any potentially dangerous branches that need to be trimmed. Trimming branches will keep your tenants and property safe from tree branches that may fall and cause damage.

Water heater blanket

Hot water is used for cooking and showers/baths year-round, but it is especially prevalent in the winter when it is cold. Invest in a water heater blanket to help insulate the heat and make sure the water stays hot. Not only will this make your tenants happy and comfortable, but it will also save money on your bill. Water heater blankets can be purchased at local hardware stores at an inexpensive price, so a small investment will help save you money in the long run.

Seal cracks in pavement or sidewalks

During the winter months, cracks in the sidewalks, parking lots, or driveways can fill with ice and cause hazardous conditions, and may even damage your property further. Before winter storms occur, fill these cracks to prevent further issues from occurring. While filling the cracks may cost some money and take some time to do, the issues that arise if the cracks are left untreated can be even more costly for you and your tenants. Not only will fixing the cracks eliminate damage and safety issues, but it will also make your property look better.

Doing routine maintenance based on the season can ensure that your tenants are safe and can enjoy all your properties have to offer.