Seasonal Property Maintenance Checklist for Rentals in Southern Indiana

Spring & Summer: Repair, Refresh, Repeat

Spring is when your property finally wakes up from the winter. You’ll want to walk around the exterior and check for roof damage, loose siding, and cracks in pavement or foundations. Gutters are probably full of winter gunk, and your sump pump, if you’ve got one, deserves a test run before Southern Indiana’s spring rains kick in. It’s also a smart time to schedule pest control before the insects start organizing a coup.

Once summer hits, it’s all about keeping your tenants cool and safe. Check and clean the A/C system, filters, vents, and coolant levels especially. Window units in older rentals? Seal ‘em up tight. Also, look at outdoor faucets and hoses. A small leak now becomes a utility bill nightmare later. If your property has decks, pressure wash them and reseal before the July heat sets in. You’re not just maintaining wood, you’re preserving lease renewals.

Fall: The Calm Before the Freeze

Fall doesn’t get enough credit. It’s the season where a little bit of elbow grease prevents a ton of winter disasters. Clear out those gutters again (yes, again). Wet leaves create blockages that turn into ice dams. Weatherstrip doors and windows to lock in heat, and keep your tenants from calling about drafts every week. You’ll also want to inspect the roof and make sure there’s no hidden storm damage from the summer.

Inside, test the furnace, replace filters, and check carbon monoxide detectors. Cold snaps don’t announce themselves, so you’ll want that heat system ready ahead of time. Shut off and drain irrigation systems and outdoor spigots. A burst pipe in December? That’s a holiday story no landlord wants. And go ahead and line up snow removal services now, waiting until the first storm hits is a recipe for slippery driveways and tenant complaints.

Winter: Monitor and Maintain

Southern Indiana winters aren’t always brutal, but when they are, your rental better be ready. Keep an eye on indoor humidity to prevent mold, especially in homes with basements. Make sure pipes are insulated where needed, especially in older homes. Frozen pipes can wreck walls, floors, and wallets. If you have vacant units, check in frequently. Heat failures go unnoticed in empty properties until it’s too late.

Also, communication is key in winter. Let tenants know how to reach you in emergencies and remind them of basic safety: don’t use ovens for heat, keep space heaters away from curtains, and report anything that smells off. Property management isn't just about buildings, it's about the people inside. A quick seasonal email with safety tips and maintenance notes shows you care and keeps everyone a little more engaged (and a lot safer).

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