Utah landlords have a lot to be thankful for. The scenic landscapes of our state are breathtaking to have right outside our city limits. But the rolling mountains of our region also bring some special considerations for maintaining a property for renters. This is on top of normal maintenance practices that property owners have to stay on top of.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by maintenance needs, especially in the winter, we’re here to help. Wolfnest Property Management is well versed in the world of Utah property management, including how to properly care for a property to avoid the trappings of maintenance mishaps.
Read on for our expert guide on how to properly perform property maintenance in Utah and keep your life as a landlord sailing smoothly.
From Spring to Winter in Utah
Not every part of the country is able to experience all four seasons to their fullest like Utah does. That means that all 4 seasons need to have their own considerations for property managers and owners in the state. It’s helpful to have a seasonal checklist to keep everything in order as the seasons come and go.
A few standard practices for all four seasons would look like this:
- Spring: As winter gives way to spring, the landscape of Utah begins to bloom again. Yard cleanup and landscaping maintenance begin to take a focus to make sure your property is looking clean and tidy. HVAC systems and air conditioning units also have to be checked and maintained as warmer weather draws near.
- Summer: Utah summers can mean pest problems, so regular pest control visits can prevent this before it happens. You also want to be cleaning your gutters regularly during this season to prevent damage from summer storms. It’s a great time to do painting or updating features on your property before the cold months resume.
- Fall: As the trees change and the leaves fall, keeping your property clear of debris is number one on the checklist. This means gutters again too! Fall is a season for property maintenance in efforts to prepare for the winter. Winterizing the property through insulating pipes and running checks on your heating systems will keep you covered.
- Winter: Winter brings snow storms, but as long as you’re well stocked with shovels and ice melt you’ll be prepared to handle it. Utah winters are all about how you prepared your property for this time of the year. Choosing the right roofing material and insulating the property effectively is a big part of being a landlord in Utah.
Year Round Property Maintenance
Regardless of the time of year, there are certain steps to take as a landlord to be proactive with your property maintenance. It can be a full time job just caring for the physical aspects of your property, which a property manager can help you with. Either way, we’ve got you covered with some preventative measures that we use:
Regular Inspections and Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance should be a regular operation for your property. The most routine example of this are property inspections. An inspection should be performed on move-ins, move-outs, and over the course of a tenant’s lease every four to eight months. Make sure you’re scheduling these inspections and informing your tenant well in advance. Drive-by inspections without going inside the property are the only way you can enter without prior notice.
Inspections should be performed on schedules like this in order to save yourself and your property from small issues turning into disasters. It ensures your tenant is taking care of your property and catches things they might have missed. Always address small issues like leaks as soon as they are discovered to preserve your property’s value.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Upgrades
One style of proactive behavior that too many landlords skip is sustainable practice. This isn’t just an eco-friendly practice, it also saves you money on regular property costs in the long run. As Utah’s climate fluctuates with the seasons, you can save a lot financially on energy costs with energy-efficient upgrades.
Smart home technology is one of the most popular ways to make a property energy efficient. These upgrades can cut costs on heating and cooling. You can even save money through design choices in the property such as windows and roofing. We’re a big proponent of biophilic design for its sustainability and enhancing your tenants' quality of life.
Preparing for Emergencies
No matter how preventative you are with your maintenance, emergencies can still happen. Burst pipes, gas leaks, and electrical fires are some of the most common emergency situations that landlords can run into. While no one wants to be in these situations, mitigating the damage depends on how well we prepare for and respond to them.
It’s important to stay calm in these situations and think before rushing in. Have a plan in place for you and your tenants to stay safe first and foremost. If you have a property manager, make sure you contact them as soon as possible. Wolfnest is always ready with an action plan in place for emergencies.
One way to keep yourself covered is landlords insurance with the right coverage as well as renters insurance to minimize your tenants losses. Understand the difference in these situations to handle all losses. The right policies can save everyone involved from greater financial loss.
Successful Property Maintenance with Utah Property Management
Property maintenance on your rental in the beautiful state of Utah comes with a lot of routine. Staying ahead of the seasons, keeping routine checklists, and being prepared for emergencies is how you can stay on top of it. Managing all of this while also managing your investment can seem like alot. That’s why your property management partners at Wolfnest are always here to help.
At Wolfnest, we have tested and educated maintenance methods as well as a wide network of subcontractors to handle every job promptly and efficiently. Our maintenance processes are streamlined through proprietary software to keep our property owners worry-free on their investments.
Learn more about all the services we can offer your Utah rental and start being proactive with your property now.
