Seasonal Rental Property Maintenance Checklist (Spring and Fall)

Some maintenance items are best handled on a seasonal rhythm rather than a fixed monthly schedule — checking a roof before winter storms, or servicing an AC unit before summer heat, matters more at specific times of year than others.

Spring checklist

Common spring tasks:

• • Inspect the roof and gutters for winter damage
• • Service the air conditioning system before peak heat season
• • Check exterior caulking and weatherstripping for winter wear
• • Inspect the exterior for winter damage — cracked walkways, damaged fencing
• • Test irrigation systems if the property has them
• • Check for pest activity as the weather warms

Fall checklist

Common fall tasks:

• • Service the heating system before cold weather arrives
• • Clean gutters after leaves have mostly fallen
• • Check weatherstripping and caulking before winter
• • Test smoke and CO detectors — especially relevant as heating systems come back into use
• • Inspect the water heater
• • Trim trees and branches that could be a hazard in winter storms

Winterization notes for colder climates

In freeze-prone areas, insulating exposed pipes, disconnecting and draining exterior hoses, and confirming heating is functioning reliably before the first hard freeze are worth prioritizing — a frozen and burst pipe is one of the more expensive and disruptive maintenance emergencies a landlord can face.