Property Management Tips: Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Residential Properties
The Ohio sky shifts from crystal blue to steely gray, and suddenly your rental property needs more attention than a teenage drama. As property managers who’ve weathered countless Columbus seasons, we know one thing: smart maintenance isn’t just about fixing things—it’s about preventing headaches.
Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters
Midwest weather doesn’t play nice. One moment you’re dealing with scorching summer heat, the next you’re battling freezing winds that could turn a small leak into a property nightmare. Our team at Swiss PMG has learned that proactive maintenance isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Spring (March-May): Springing up Your Property
- Roof and Gutter Inspection: Winter can be harsh on roofing. Look for missing shingles and clean those gutters of debris and leftover fall leaves.
- HVAC Maintenance: Schedule professional service for your air conditioning before summer demand hits.
- Lawn Care Startup: Seed bare patches, fertilize, and ensure sprinkler systems are functioning properlycorrectly.
- Exterior Washing: Power wash siding and clean windows to remove winter grime and salt residue.
At Swiss Property Management Group, we’ve found that spring maintenance prevents the majority of emergency summer calls, particularly related to cooling systems that haven’t been serviced.
Summer (June-August): Extreme Heat and Storms
- Window Seal Checks: Ensure weatherstripping is intact to keep cool air in and hot air out.
- Deck/Patio Maintenance: Inspect wooden structures for splinters or rot and consider resealing if needed.
- Tree Trimming: Remove dead branches that could become hazards during summer storms.
- Pest Control: The Columbus bug population booms in summer—preventative treatments save headaches later.
One Columbus property we manage saved nearly $2,000 in cooling costs after we identified and sealed significant air leaks during routine summer maintenance.
Fall (September-November): Preparing for the Cold
- Heating System Check: Have furnaces professionally inspected and filters changed. We are big on replacing filters often, every 1-2 months.
- Chimney Cleaning: If your property has a fireplace, annual cleaning prevents fire hazards.
- Gutter Cleaning (Round Two): Remove fall leaves before they freeze in place.
- Exterior Pipe Protection: Insulate exposed pipes before the first frost hits.
We’ve implemented this fall checklist across all Swiss Property Management Group properties, reducing winter emergency calls by over 30% compared to previous years.
Winter (December-February): It’s Freezing out!
- Snow Removal Planning: Establish clear responsibility for sidewalk and driveway clearing.
- Roof Snow Management: Monitor ice dam formation, especially on older Columbus homes.
- Interior Insulation Check: Examine attic insulation levels and address drafty areas.
- Holiday Vacancy Precautions: For units empty during holidays, maintain minimum heat settings (never below 55°F).
With this proactive approach we have been able to prevent tens of thousands in freeze damage for our owners over the years.
The Swiss PMG Difference
We don’t just manage properties—we protect investments. Each season brings unique challenges, and our team treats every property like it’s our own. We’ve seen what happens when maintenance falls by the wayside, and trust us, it’s not pretty.
A well-maintained property saves money, attracts quality tenants, and gives property owners peace of mind. Our systematic approach means we catch potential issues before they become expensive repairs.
Pro Tip: Create a digital maintenance calendar. Track every inspection, repair, and seasonal task. It’s a game-changer.
Swiss Property Management Group 3019 Indianola Ave Suite #100 Columbus OH 43202 (614) 362-3030 • info@swisspmg.com