In Berkeley, California, we enjoy a pretty great climate all year long. We suffer through some cooler days in the winter, but generally we have a sunny, mild climate for most of our months. There are still noticeable seasons, however, and those seasons bring a few challenges to property owners. Rain is always an especially difficult problem, and our El Nino years tend to do some damage. In recent years, fire has also been a huge threat to most communities in central and northern California.
The mild climate in and around Berkeley may seem forgiving, but routine maintenance is still crucial to preserving the value of your investment and ensuring the comfort and safety of your tenants. Whether you’re new to property ownership or an experienced landlord with a portfolio of well-maintained properties, we think it’s important to stay on top of seasonal maintenance, and we’re here to help you do it.
Let’s walk through a year-round maintenance schedule to keep your Berkeley property in its best possible condition.
Starting with Spring
Blooming flowers. Chirping birds. Warm days. Spring in Berkeley is pleasant, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to take care of some of these seasonal concerns at your rental properties.
- Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and garages. It’s also for the systems and functions at your investment. Now is a good time to clear gutters and downspouts, especially if there was significant rainfall during the winter, and debris gathered. It’s an ideal time to power wash the exterior of your property, including driveways and walkways. Have your HVAC tech come out to inspect your heating and cooling system. There’s a good chance that the air conditioning will be needed, if you have it, and you want to make sure it’s ready.
- Landscaping and Curb Appeal
The warm weather makes this the ideal time to rejuvenate your property’s green spaces. Whether you have a sprawling yard, a small courtyard, or a mere patio, prune shrubs and trees, keeping branches away from the property structure. Apply mulch to any garden beds to control weeds and retain soil moisture. Begin regular lawn care, including aeration and fertilizer application.
Summer and Sunshine
Outdoor activities are in full swing during the summer. Don’t forget the things you have to do to protect your property during dry summers and potentially hot days.
This is a good time to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire safety should be on your mind, so clear out any vents in your property, including dryer vents. Trim the vegetation around your property and ensure you’re compliant with all fire safety regulations. Ensure air filters are changed and clean, and make sure your irrigation is working the way it’s meant to. If there are drought conditions, refrain from watering when you’re not permitted to.
Take advantage of the longer days to inspect and mend the property’s exterior. This is a good time to have the roof inspected for damage. If repairs are needed, make them. When your exterior paint begins to fade or chip, touch things up in the summer months. You’ll also want to repair siding.
Are you up to date with pest control? This is a good time to make sure you’re having your property treated for critters and crawlers who might want to come indoors.
Fall Maintenance in Berkeley Rental Homes
It’s time to prepare your rental properties for cooler weather. The drop in temperature is your cue to prepare your property for cooler months in these ways:
- Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts. Better insulation is more energy-efficient and will contribute both to the comfort of your tenants and lower energy bills.
- Drain and turn off irrigation systems to avoid freezing. It’s rare that we drop below freezing, but this isn’t exactly a chance you want to take.
- Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected.
With the autumn we get shorter days, so take the time to ensure your property is well-lit and secure:
- Test and maintain exterior lighting. Upgrade lights, if necessary. Motion lights can make tenants feel more secure.
- Inspect walkways and railings for safety hazards. You don’t want to invite accidents, injuries, or lawsuits.
- Review and update your property’s emergency preparedness plan.
Winterizing Your Property
Although Berkeley winters are not harsh, it’s wise to be prepared for colder and wetter conditions. The best seasonal maintenance for the winter months includes:
- Insulate pipes that are exposed to external walls to prevent the potential for freezing.
- Consider a fresh coat of waterproof sealant for decks and wooden structures.
- Repair any interior damage or wear and tear like dents in walls or loose tiles.
Always be attentive to the maintenance requests and concerns of your tenants. When you’re going to have a vendor over to the property to make any seasonal adjustments, make sure you provide them with plenty of notice.
Seasonal maintenance is not just recommended; it’s a necessity in the cycle of rental property management. When you break out preventative maintenance into seasonal tasks, you’ll find that there’s not a lot that will get missed. These attentions will protect the value and condition of your property, and they’ll keep your tenants satisfied with how seriously you take their comfort.
Smart investors know that proactive maintenance can significantly impact the longevity and profitability of your rental property. If you’re not sure you have the time, energy, and resources to keep up with preventative and seasonal maintenance, it’s incredibly important that you work with Berkeley property managers who can ensure your property remains well-maintained. We have excellent relationships in place with vendors, contractors, and service providers.
Let’s talk about the unique needs of your property. While this seasonal guide is meant to be helpful to all landlords and real estate investors, we know that every property is different. We can take a look at your investment and tell you what your priorities should be now, and throughout every season.
We’re here to be your Berkeley property management partners. Contact us at California Pacific Realty.
