Summer is an ideal time to check off items on your seasonal maintenance checklist, as the weather is usually cooperative for outdoor repairs. While each property should have a detailed list of maintenance needed each summer, some common fixes and checks should be completed according to its specific needs. These tasks include inspecting and cleaning gutters, servicing the HVAC system, and checking your roof. Let’s explore items we would add to your property maintenance checklist this summer. 
Exterior Maintenance
It should come as no surprise that exterior checklist items top the list for summer maintenance.
- Roof & Gutters: Inspect the roof for wear and tear or damage from winter storms. Make repairs as needed. While inspecting this area, check the gutters and clean out any debris, leaves, branches, and pests that may have made a home there over the fall and winter months.
- Windows & Doors: After inspecting the roof and gutters, continue inspecting window screens and doors for damage. Replace or repair screens as needed.
- Lighting Checks: Outdoor lighting is prone to damage in New England due to snow and wind. Confirm that the lights are functional and replace any bulbs that need replacing. Be especially careful around walkways and entry points, as lighting is a safety feature as well as an aesthetic one.
- Landscaping: Arguably, one of the larger summer projects is landscaping. Mowing, edging, and planting are often regular summer maintenance tasks. Be sure to include tree trimming and shrubbery shaping before the fall and winter.
- Amenity Maintenance: Should your property have tennis courts, a pool, or an outdoor kitchen area, regular maintenance of these areas is warranted. Include inspections of the decks and patios, as they will be used more often throughout the summer.
Interior Maintenance
- HVAC Systems: During a season when renters rely on cooling systems, a regular check before the hottest summer days is key to keeping your renters happy (and cool).
- Smoke Detectors & CO Alarms: All smoke and CO alarms should be checked at least twice a year to ensure that they are working properly.
- Dryer Vents: As the number one cause of fires, it is always a good idea to clean and check dryer vents multiple times a year.
- Plumbing & Electrical Work: Although plumbing and electrical work can be done at any time of year, it is a good idea to ensure that systems are working correctly and that inspections/repairs happen when convenient to tenants. Emergency events happen at all times of day or night, but routine maintenance can be scheduled for slower times of the year, such as summer.
- Safety Checks: If your property has an alarm system, the summer is an ideal time to upgrade and check it. This is also an opportune time to check the dates on your fire extinguishers to ensure they are still in compliance.
Does your property need regular maintenance? Talk to our team at Thayer & Associates to help market your property and handle all the tasks needed to run a thriving and healthy rental community.