As the winter season arrives, landlords should inspect and prepare their properties for any new tenants.

Preparing a property for the winter begins with some basic maintenance in the backyard, garden, and front lawn. The sprinkler system should be fully winterized in order to prevent any unexpected bursts of water that can quickly saturate the ground. Similarly, in-ground swimming pools should be fully winterized along with equipment such as water heaters, filters, and pumps. Attached strongly to metal anchors, a waterproof cover should span the entire pool basin.

The exterior of a home should also receive some major maintenance work in preparation for the winter. All gutters must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris that can block proper drainage of rain and other precipitation. Roofs should be inspected for any openings; installations of new shingle patches might have to be done. Homes that have fireplaces should receive inspections on the chimneys, which often get clogged with soot and other solid deposits during the winter season.

Cracks in the driveway and sidewalk can get worse during the winter as the temperatures drop. Sealing all cracks prevents any accumulation of icy patches that might further penetrate into asphalt, concrete, and natural stone surfaces. A thorough power wash should also be done to the exterior of a home’s siding and other structures such as shutters and steps.

Inside a home, winter preparation steps involve sealing any openings with rubber or foam sealants. Such action prevents any drafts that could cause a lot of heat to escape while the furnace is operating. All doors and windows should be inspected for any damage that might also cause some drafts. New insulation might have to be laid out in load bearing walls, as well as the ceiling in the attic.