11 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Rental Property

Springtime is here, which means spring cleaning is in order. For landlords, this means sprucing up your rental property and tending to any repairs that you put on hold during the long winter months. Here are eleven tips to get you well on your way to a tidy attractive property your tenants will be proud to call home.

Replace door mats as needed

Your doormats are likely looking a little worse for wear come springtime. Give them a good vacuum and replace as needed. If you get frequent rain, dry mats out in the sun and then freshen them up by spreading some baking soda as a natural deodorizer.

Dust off fans, fixtures, and vents

Before you turn on those ceiling fans in common areas and have them swirl around months of dust, wipe them down. The same goes for light fixtures and vents.

Spruce up the hallways

If you’ve got carpet in the hallways, now’s a good time to give each floor a deep cleaning. While you’re at it, wipe down walls and trim, and consider repainting or touching up spots as needed for a clean look.

Service the HVAC

Whether you have window units or central air, now’s the time to ensure they’re all in working order well before hot weather rolls in and HVAC appointments are hard to come by. Remember, comfortable tenants are happy tenants, so take advantage of the temperate season to take care of your rental’s heating and cooling systems.

Repair decks and patios

Now that the snow is (hopefully) gone, it’s time to inspect decks and patios for loose boards, chipped pavers, and other damage. Replace or repair any loose rails or steps and pressure-wash patios. If decks need to be retreated, take advantage of the cool dry weather to do it.

Test the sprinkler system

Green spaces on your property need hydration to keep them looking healthy and lush all season. Don’t rely on those April showers alone — make sure your sprinkler system is ready to go for spring so your grass and foliage don’t get parched.

Inspect the foundation

Examine the building’s foundation base for cracks or other deterioration. A good rule of thumb is that if you can fit a nickel into a crack in your foundation, it’s time to call a professional to check it out.

Pressure-wash the exterior

Let the sun shine on a clean exterior, not one that’s been battered by winter’s dirt and grime. Aim that hose on sidewalks, decks, and patios, too, for a fresh start to the outdoor season. You can rent a power washer to DIY it, but if you’re worried about causing more harm than good to the building’s exterior, call in a pro.

Clean out gutters

Snow and rain during winter also tends to pile up the debris in your gutters and downspouts, particularly leaves that might have gotten trapped there from the fall. Don’t forget to fix any that have become detached so they can drain excess rainwater away.

Wash windows and screens

Ice, snow, rain, and other remnants of winter weather have clouded over windows and screens. Hire a service to clean the windows for a building, but if you’ve got smaller homes in your portfolio and are feeling energetic, a bucket of soapy water and a squeegee are all it takes.

Patch up the roof

Don’t wait for a leak to happen before you inspect your roof for damage. Spring is a good time to fix or replace shingles or flashing. If it’s looking like a bigger project, book an appointment soon so that you can get it done before the cold weather returns; spring and summer are typically the busiest times for roofers.

The bottom line

A landlord’s to-do list is never done, but spring weather has a way of making those tasks a bit more pleasant. Prioritize your tasks accordingly and take advantage of the longer days, and you’ll get them done in no time.