Summer wrap-up tasks for your rental property are essential for landlords and property managers who want to finish the season strong. From shutting down pools and outdoor amenities to reviewing maintenance logs and preparing for back-to-school traffic, these steps help keep your rental properties in top condition and help mitigate tenant turnover.
Summer is winding down, and for landlords and property managers, that means getting ready to check off those upcoming seasonal maintenance tasks. While autumn is still a few weeks away, and summer sun seems here to stay, now is the time to take care of those last few summer-specific tasks that ensure your property is maintained and tenant satisfaction remains high. Don’t forget these four essential summer wrap-up tasks at your rental properties this year.
Communicate Your Closing Date for Summer Amenities:
Summer-specific perks, such as outdoor pools, community grill stations, or general outdoor recreation areas, may not be practical to keep available during the fall weather. Now is the time to communicate any closing dates for summer amenities so your tenants know when they can enjoy the pool for the last time this year. Before autumn maintenance begins, your team should be tackling those end-of-season closing tasks.
Depending on your rental property’s local climate, this may include:
- Closing the pool: Remove and store any pool toys, check safety equipment and have your pool maintenance team make note of any necessary repairs. Depending on the expected weather, you may be able to keep your pool available throughout the early fall season, just be sure to winterize your pool when the time comes. Check with a trusted pool and spa service provider in your area to determine when they recommend scheduling this maintenance.
- Maintaining outdoor grill or recreation areas: Before rainy fall weather begins, inventory your outdoor recreation equipment. It may be time to take down nets for beach volleyball courts, and remove cushions or fabric seating from areas that will see less traffic as school begins and the weather changes. For areas that will remain open throughout the fall season, consider moving seating to more enclosed areas or patios where tenants can enjoy the outdoors regardless of stormy weather.
- Replace or Repair Summer Equipment: Take note of any summer equipment that will need to be repaired or replaced to minimize headaches next year when summer amenities reopen again. Now is the time to replace or make required repairs; many outdoor summer items will be on sale as the season comes to a close.
Review Your Summer Maintenance Logs:
Summer can be tough on rental properties. With higher utility use during hot weather and more families at home for summer, your property may have seen an increase in maintenance calls. Now is a good time to review what issues your tenants encountered and consider any potential changes for next summer.
This can also help you estimate any potential repair costs for next summer. For instance, if cooling was an issue, it may be time to consider upgrading your HVAC systems or your weatherproofing before next summer. This is also an excellent time to check in with any tenants who reported an issue to ensure that their needs were met and the problems they reported have been fully resolved. Going above and beyond with an additional check-in can significantly increase tenant satisfaction and reduce turnover.
Learn more: Maintenance Expenses for Your Rental Property
Review Your Property’s Back-to-School Needs:
As students head back to school, it’s vital to understand how that will impact your tenants and your property—particularly if you own or manage a multifamily rental property. Consider how bus routes may impact your property’s traffic. Be sure you prep for first-time renters as college students move into your property. Small changes like adding lighting for young students along the path to the bus stop for short fall and winter days can all go a long way to increase the safety and comfort of your tenants and their families.
Learn more: Back-to-School Ideas for Your Multifamily Rental Property: Infographic
Schedule Your Fall Maintenance at Your Rental Property:
Fall maintenance—like any seasonal maintenance tasks—are vital to your property’s longevity and long-term ROI. Don’t forget to schedule your vital fall maintenance preparations before the weather makes it difficult to complete. Book or schedule your fall maintenance now, whether you’re doing it yourself, delegating to staff, or hiring a vendor. Will any inspections need to be completed? For any necessary safety inspections, be sure to book them now so you aren’t scrambling to find an available vendor down the road.
Learn more: Rental Property Fall Maintenance: Infographic
Final Thoughts:
Keeping all the properties in your portfolio running smoothly can take extra work as the seasons shift, but completing all the essential summer wrap-up tasks can go a long way to making your property stand out from the competition. Not to mention, wrapping up summer responsibilities now gives you peace of mind and ensures that fall property prep will be easier than ever.