Keep your rentals (and your own home) running smoothly and looking great with this checklist. Making these repairs and/or additions may also attract possible Tenants to that vacancy you have been trying to rent out!
- Repair window screens and check screening on porches before bug season arrives. Save old screens for future patches.
- Build or repair fences and arbors so they will be ready for planting Season.
- Repair deck boards as needed; remove protruding nails and replace with coated or galvanized screws. Be sure to check and tighten bolts in deck supports.
- Clean and seal wood deck as necessary. Deck stains with at least some pigment last longer than clear sealers.
- Reverse ceiling fans – they should have been blowing upward in the Winter – and clean the tops of the fan blades.
- Check that Winter wind hasn’t lifted vinyl or aluminum siding, then repair.
- Wash black streaks from the roof. Use prepared cleaner or save some extra money and mix your own:
- Combine one part chlorine bleach with three parts water and a handful of trisodium phosphate. Apply to small section of roof with garden sprayer, let soak 20 minutes, then rinse with a hose.
- Wash siding and gutters with a similar solution. You’ll have fewer streaks if you start from the bottom. Always be careful with ladders around power lines.
- Scrape and touch up exterior paint, paying special attention to window sills, gable vents and garage doors.
- Complete larger exterior painting jobs. Follow the shade – don’t paint in direct sun – and quit before dusk so the paint can dry before dew forms. Cheap paint is not a bargain. For most exterior jobs, look for 100% acrylic and buy at least the “better” quality.
- Clean gas grill and replace any rusted or damaged parts.
- Check crawl space for moisture and remove debris. If you spot signs of termites, call a professional.
- Clean concrete drives, walk ways and patios, clean as needed.
from Genesee Landlords Assn.