The thaw of spring is the perfect time to catch minor rental property issues before they turn into major summer emergencies. As a landlord, you don’t need to do a top-to-bottom renovation every year, but skipping seasonal maintenance is a guaranteed way to lose money.

Here is the straightforward, 5-point spring maintenance checklist you can execute in a single afternoon.

1. Clear the Gutters and Downspouts

Winter storms and fall leaves often leave gutters clogged with debris. When spring rains arrive, clogged gutters cause water to spill over, pooling around the foundation or backing up under the roofline.

• The fix: Hire a local service or safely clear them yourself. Ensure all downspouts are securely attached and directing water at least 3-4 feet away from the foundation.

2. Inspect the Roof for Missing or Damaged Shingles

You don’t necessarily have to climb onto the roof. Grab a pair of binoculars and inspect the roof from the ground. Look for curled, cracked, or missing shingles.

• The fix: Spot-repairing a few shingles now costs a couple of hundred dollars. Waiting until the roof leaks into a tenant’s bedroom will cost thousands in water damage and drywall repair.

3. Service the AC Unit Before the Rush

The absolute worst time to call an HVAC technician is during the first heatwave of the summer. That is when their rates are highest and availability is lowest.

• The fix: Schedule an AC tune-up now. Replace the furnace/AC filters (or remind your tenants to do it, if that is in your lease). Clean the debris away from the exterior condenser unit so it can pull air efficiently.

4. Check for Exterior Wood Rot and Peeling Paint

Moisture from snow and ice can accelerate wood rot around exterior window frames, doors, and trim. Once wood starts to rot, it invites pests like carpenter ants or termites.

• The fix: Walk the perimeter of the house and poke any suspect wood with a screwdriver. If it’s soft, it needs to be replaced. Scrape and touch up peeling paint to protect the wood underneath.

5. Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Tenant safety is your number one liability. Tenants frequently disable smoke detectors if they beep from a low battery, rather than changing the battery themselves.

• The fix: Visit the property (with proper 24-hour notice) and physically press the test button on every smoke and CO detector. Replace batteries or the entire unit if it is past its 10-year expiration date.

Bottom Line

Preventative maintenance is the cheapest maintenance you will ever do. Block out a Saturday this April, run through this list, and rest easy knowing your property is protected for the rest of the year.