5 Maintenance Items to do at The End of Summer

Summer is quickly passing by for the beginning of fall. While the summer is one of the best seasons to live in a Beach City, the heat can do a number on your rental property. For this reason the end of summer is an ideal time to inspect your property, and do maintenance before the colder months bring with it lower temperatures and rain.

Today we’ve spotlighted five maintenance items to do as summer comes to an end.

Item #1 HVAC System Check-Up

As the weather begins to cool down, transitioning from air conditioning to heating follows. Be sure to check and service your HVAC system now in order to prevent breakdowns in the colder and rainy months. These maintenance services can include replacing the air filters, cleaning ductwork, and testing the thermostats to ensure the temperatures and timer functions are working properly. If you don’t have your HVAC system serviced regularly or only recently purchased your investment property, you should consider hiring a professional to check freon levels, clean the coils and check airflow.

Item #2 Lawn and Garden Maintenance

Over the spring and summer, lawns grow and flourish however, most grasses begin to slow down or go dormant once the weather begins to hit the 55°F which is the typical low for nights in Long Beach CA. At this point, it's a good idea to prepare for colder months by fertilizing, pruning and amending your soil. Fall is also a great opportunity to plant new shrubs in early fall as it gives the roots a head start at establishing themselves.

Item #3 Curb Appeal Touch-Ups

During the summer, especially during heat waves, the exterior of your rental property may wear down and look faded. Now is a great time to touch up any paint that shows signs of peeling paint. Doing this helps to maintain your home's curb appeal while protecting against upcoming rain-related damage from fall and winter. Remember that there is only one first impression, and a damaged exterior can be misjudged by prospective tenants as a rental with maintenance issues.

Item #4 Inspect Appliances

Many appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and washing machines should be inspected regularly to ensure efficiency. Dryers use vents to remove heat from the dryer, these vents however can become clogged with lint and other flammable debris. Washing machines and dishwashers on the other hand, can develop water leaks which can result in water damage to the walls, and flooring. If not taken care of, these leaks can ultimately lead to damage to the subflooring and even the foundation of your rental. This can lead to expensive repairs, a much higher water bill and higher tenant vacancy rates.

Item #5 Check Windows and Doors

While not at risk of damaging the property, air leaks can make tenants uncomfortably cold during the evenings. As a broken seal around a window or door can result in a cold draft of air around them. Tenants may complain about cold spots in the rental and a higher than average energy bill. This can risk a lease renewal while also putting a heavier strain on the HVAC system and shorten its lifespan considerably. 

Ensure you check the window screens as well, as during the rainy season many pests such as bugs and mice look for dry areas. Damaged or missing screens allow these pests to get inside, once inside it may take weeks or months before realizing the rental may be infested.

Tenant satisfaction is the priority when keeping your rental property well maintained. For this reason it's important to have regular and seasonal maintenance to your rental property. If you are in need of help preparing your rental for the upcoming fall or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.