Summer had its own set of property management tasks. But the days are getting shorter, and it won’t be long before the weather gets a little crisper. Autumn is approaching once again.
Here are just three important property management tasks to tend to before the official kickoff of fall:
- Make inspections routine: If you haven’t set foot inside your rental properties since the beginning of summer, send that particular “to do” to the top of your list. Make note of any necessary upgrades or fixes, and pay specific attention to windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Taking care of minor aggravations now, while the weather is in your favor, will help to mitigate bigger, more complicated problems when the snow begins to fall. This will also help to curb cantankerous calls from your residents later on.
- Take stock of potential outdoor obstacles: Clean out your gutters early and continue to monitor them throughout the season for falling leaves. Blocked and overstuffed gutters can lead to leakage and damaging moisture being directed back into your properties (and onto unsuspecting residents). For that matter, take stock of surrounding trees and foliage in need of trimming. East Coast autumns are no stranger to coastal weather events that result in downed limbs and trees. Advance prep can at least help to mitigate any damage to your properties, and ultimately save you money in the long run.
- Field test your furnaces: It’s not heating time yet, but the cooler days of October are approaching. Many residents reach out shortly after the furnace has been turned on for the first time in months, complaining of a “burning smell,” which we all know to be harmless. Still, it doesn’t hurt to run some interference well ahead of time, replacing filters and scheduling routine maintenance if overdue.
Here’s a bonus fourth task: collaborate with a quality answering service to keep property management manageable this autumn.
Outsourcing your calls to Focus Answering Service can help to keep your residents safe and satisfied – and you sane – throughout the busy fall and winter months. Our extensively trained agents deliver around-the-clock service with compassion and a thorough knowledge of your industry. Contact us today to set up a consultation.