Winter Property Maintenance Checklist for Redding Landlords

Winter in Redding may not bring blizzards, but don't let the mild climate fool you. With December bringing the heaviest rainfall and nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing, your rental properties face real challenges that demand proactive preparation. As a landlord, winter maintenance protects your investment, ensures tenant safety, and prevents costly emergency repairs. Here's your essential guide to winterizing your rental properties effectively.

Your Essential Winter Maintenance Checklist

Gutters and Drainage: Your First Priority

With Redding's significant winter rainfall, clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of property damage. According to maintenance experts, clogged gutters can lead to water damage, loosened gutters, ice dams, and pest problems.

• Remove all leaves, debris, and pine needles from gutters
• Clear downspouts completely and flush with water
• Check for loose or sagging sections and repair
• Ensure downspouts extend several feet from the foundation
• Schedule cleaning at least twice annually

Roof and Exterior Protection

• Inspect for loose, damaged, or missing shingles
• Clear debris from roof valleys
• Check flashing around vents and chimneys
• Verify ground slopes away from foundation
• Fill cracks in driveways and walkways
• Look for gaps around windows and doors

Heating System: Keep It Running Smoothly

Heating system failures are among the most common winter emergency calls. The risk is real: home heating fires result in over a billion dollars in property damage annually

• Schedule professional HVAC inspection before winter
• Install new filters and provide extras to tenants
• Test the system by running it for several hours
• Have chimneys professionally cleaned if property has a fireplace
• Verify thermostats function correctly

Plumbing Protection: Prevent Frozen Pipes

While severe freezes are rare, pipes can still freeze during cold nights, especially in crawl spaces and exterior walls. According to insurance data, approximately one in 67 insured homes experiences water damage from freezing.

• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and garages
• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses
• Turn off water supply to outdoor faucets
• Install faucet covers on exterior spigots
• Flush water heater to remove sediment (every two years)
• For vacant properties: shut off water and drain all pipes

Safety Systems: Legal Requirements

California law requires working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties.

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Replace batteries in all units
• Replace detectors that fail testing or are expired
• Check fire extinguishers are charged and accessible
• Provide tenants with emergency contact information

Weatherproofing: Keep Heat In, Water Out

• Check window and door weatherstripping and replace if worn
• Apply fresh caulk around window trim
• Seal gaps around pipes and electrical entry points
• Install foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls
• Verify windows close and lock properly

Outdoor Maintenance

Don't Forget:

• Trim branches hanging over the roof or near power lines
• Remove dead branches that could break during storms
• Clear fallen leaves from walkways and drains
• Ensure outdoor lighting illuminates all walkways
• Check that walkways have slip-resistant surfaces

Your Winter Maintenance Timeline

Late Fall (November):

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Winterize outdoor plumbing
• Test heating systems
• Check weatherstripping
• Test safety detectors

Early Winter (December):

• Final pre-winter walkthrough
• Send winter safety reminders to tenants
• Verify emergency contacts are current

Mid-Winter (January-February):

• Monitor for any issues after heavy rains
• Respond promptly to tenant maintenance requests

Communicate with Your Tenants

Your tenants are your eyes and ears. Provide them with clear guidance on:

• Proper thermostat settings and heating use
• What to do if heating fails
• How to prevent frozen pipes (keep heat on, allow faucets to drip during freezes)
• How to report maintenance issues and what constitutes an emergency
• Monthly HVAC filter changes

The Cost of Prevention vs. Repair

Winter maintenance requires investment, but it's far less expensive than emergency repairs. Set aside budget for:

• Professional HVAC service
• Gutter cleaning twice annually
• Roof and chimney inspections
• Weatherproofing materials
• Emergency repair fund for unexpected issues

When to Call Professionals

Some tasks require expertise. Always hire professionals for:

• HVAC system servicing and repairs
• Roof inspections and major repairs
• Chimney cleaning and inspection
• Electrical work
• Major plumbing repairs
• Gas line work

Let Authority Property Management Handle the Details-Protect Your Investment

By following this checklist, you'll prevent costly emergency repairs, extend the life of major systems, keep tenants safe and satisfied, and maintain your property value. Remember: winter maintenance not a one time task. It's an ongoing commitment to property care that protects your investment year after year.

Managing winter maintenance across multiple properties can be overwhelming. Between scheduling services, conducting inspections, coordinating repairs, and communicating with tenants, it becomes a full-time job. Authority Property Management handles all seasonal maintenance as part of our comprehensive services. We coordinate inspections, leverage our contractor network for quality work at competitive prices, identify issues before they become emergencies, and provide 24/7 emergency response when winter problems occur.

Your rental property is a significant investment. Let us help you protect it.

Ready to ensure your rental properties are winter-ready?

Contact Authority Property Management today for a free rental analysis and learn how our maintenance services can protect your investment this winter.

📞 Call us: (530) 410-6085
🌐 Visit: www.authoritypm.com
📧 info@authoritypm.com