A Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Rental Properties
Small problems get expensive when nobody notices them. A clogged gutter turns into a wet basement. A dirty dryer vent becomes a fire risk. A seasonal maintenance routine helps you catch these early, keeps tenants happier, and makes your property last longer.
Free printable for this guide: Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Here's a simple checklist, organized by season, that works for single-family rentals and small multi-unit buildings.
Monthly checks
- Smoke alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends testing smoke alarms monthly. In a rental, you can ask tenants to do this and report problems, or check during scheduled visits. Notice and entry rules vary by state and city, so check your local rules before entering a unit.
- Carbon monoxide alarms. Test them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Common areas. Check lighting, handrails, stairs and walkways in shared spaces.
- HVAC filters. Check them and replace as recommended for the filter type.
Spring
- Inspect the roof, gutters and downspouts for winter damage. Clear debris.
- Look for water stains on ceilings and around windows.
- Check the foundation and exterior walls for new cracks.
- Service the air conditioning before hot weather arrives.
- Check outdoor faucets and hoses for freeze damage.
- Inspect decks, porches and railings for loose boards or rot.
Summer
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof, siding and walkways.
- Check window and door screens.
- Look for signs of pests, especially around foundations and entry points.
- Inspect caulk and weatherstripping around windows, doors and tubs.
- Check exterior paint and siding.
- Make sure the outdoor dryer vent flap opens when the dryer runs.
Fall
- Clean gutters and downspouts again once leaves drop.
- Service the heating system before you need it.
- Drain and shut off outdoor faucets in cold climates.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep heat in.
- Check the chimney and fireplace if your rental has one.
- Replace smoke alarm batteries if they're the replaceable kind. The USFA recommends replacing batteries in 9-volt-powered alarms, and backup batteries in hardwired alarms, at least once a year. A fall clock change is an easy reminder.
Winter
- Watch for ice dams and heavy snow on the roof.
- Keep walkways, steps and parking areas clear and safe.
- Make sure pipes in unheated areas are protected from freezing.
- Check that the heat is working well in every unit.
- Give tenants a reminder about what to do if a pipe freezes or the heat goes out.
Once a year
- Clean the dryer vent. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them, and recommends cleaning lint out of the vent pipe once a year, or more often if clothes are taking longer than normal to dry.
- Check smoke alarm ages. The USFA says to replace smoke alarms 10 years from the manufacture date (usually printed on the back).
- Water heater. Inspect for leaks and rust, and follow the manufacturer's maintenance steps.
- Full walkthrough. Look at every room, with proper notice to your tenant.
- Review your insurance and update your contact list for contractors.
Keep a service log
Every time you or a contractor does work, write down the date, what was done, who did it and what it cost. A log helps you plan, shows a history of care for the property, and makes your expense records much easier at tax time.
Get the free checklist: Our Seasonal Maintenance Checklist includes spring, summer, fall, winter, monthly and yearly tasks, plus a service log. Download it free here.
For repairs tenants report, use our Maintenance Request Form + Repair Log, and log what you spend in the Rental Expense Tracker.
FAQ
Who is responsible for testing smoke alarms in a rental?
It depends on your state and city rules and your lease. Many landlords check alarms at move-in and ask tenants to test monthly and report problems. Check your local rules.
How often should a rental's dryer vent be cleaned?
The NFPA recommends cleaning lint out of the vent pipe at least once a year, or more often if drying takes longer than normal.
Do I need to give notice before doing maintenance inside a unit?
Usually, yes. Notice requirements vary by state and city, so check your local rules.
The LandlordPrintables team
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and city, so check your local rules.
Sources: U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarms; NFPA, Clothes Dryer & Washing Machine Safety; U.S. Fire Administration, Clothes Dryer Fire Safety.