Rental Property Maintenance: Winter Checklist
Winter is here! As such, there's no better time than now to do some preventative property maintenance to reduce the risk of costly reactive maintenance and repairs that can arise more frequently during the cooler months.
Here’s a simple checklist of preventative winter maintenance tasks you should tick off over the next couple of weeks. To make things easy, we’ve also made sure to note who is responsible for each task (landlord or tenant).
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Attend to gutters & downpipes: check they are clear from debris, are free flowing, and in good condition.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Check roof: Look for signs of loose, cracked, or broken areas.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Check flashings: In particular, look for signs of corrosion.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Check trees: Check for and remove any dead branches or dying trees. Trim overhanging branches.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Check for and deal to signs of water damage: Pay particular attention to damp areas such as the laundry, bathroom, and toilet. Remember to check the ceiling for any telltale water stains.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Sweep fireplace and clean chimneys: Chimneys and fireplaces should be cleaned annually.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Service heat pumps: Annual service to keep it running efficiently.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Check dehumidifier filters: Check and clean filters.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Tenant.
Check HRV system filters: Check and replace filters as needed.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
Check smoke detectors: Test to ensure they are fully operational.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Tenant.
Check and clean bathroom vents: Remove dust and debris.
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Tenant.
Remedy any slip-prone areas: Consider putting non-slip mats on slippery doorsteps
- Who’s responsible, landlord or tenant? Landlord.
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DISCLAIMER: The above advice is written by Propertyscouts New Zealand (2020) Limited and is intended as a broad guide for educational purposes only. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial or real estate advice. In all instances, you should make your own inquiries and seek independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial or real estate decisions.
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