Rental Property Preventive Maintenance Checklist

• ✓HVAC: Schedule professional AC tune-up before peak season
• ✓HVAC: Replace air filters (1–3 month filters: monthly; 6-month filters: now)
• ✓Roofing: Inspect for winter damage, missing shingles, flashing issues
• ✓Gutters: Clean out winter debris, check downspout drainage
• ✓Exterior: Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and penetrations
• ✓Plumbing: Check for freeze damage to pipes and outdoor hose bibs
• ✓Smoke/CO detectors: Test and replace batteries
• ✓Exterior: Inspect wood for rot, especially decks, stairs, and sills
• ✓Landscaping: Trim trees/shrubs away from structure and utility lines

• ✓HVAC: Check AC refrigerant level if cooling seems weak
• ✓HVAC: Replace filters (1–3 month types)
• ✓Water heater: Check pressure relief valve function
• ✓Plumbing: Inspect under-sink cabinets for slow leaks
• ✓Appliances: Clean refrigerator coils and dryer vent (fire risk)
• ✓Electrical: Check GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchen, and exterior
• ✓Exterior: Repaint or re-stain wood surfaces as needed
• ✓Pest: Inspect for entry points, seal gaps in foundation and siding

• ✓HVAC: Schedule professional furnace tune-up before heating season
• ✓HVAC: Replace air filters
• ✓HVAC: Check pilot light, heat exchanger, and igniter
• ✓Water heater: Flush tank to remove sediment buildup
• ✓Water heater: Check age — units 8+ years old should be monitored closely
• ✓Gutters: Clean after leaves fall, before first freeze
• ✓Exterior: Caulk gaps, weatherstrip doors, check storm windows
• ✓Plumbing: Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs before freeze
• ✓Smoke/CO detectors: Replace batteries, test function
• ✓Roof: Inspect before winter — fix issues before ice and snow

• ✓HVAC: Replace filters monthly during peak heating use
• ✓Plumbing: Know where your main shutoff is — frozen pipe emergencies require fast response
• ✓Plumbing: Keep heat at minimum 55°F in vacant units to prevent freezing
• ✓Electrical: Check for tripped breakers in units using high-draw space heaters
• ✓Roofing: Check for ice dams forming at eaves after heavy snow
• ✓Annual: Schedule any deferred maintenance for spring
• ✓Records: Update maintenance logs for the year, note equipment ages

• Professional tune-up
• Filter replacement every 1–3 months
• Check igniter, heat exchanger, blower

⚠ 12+ years old: budget for replacement

• Spring professional inspection
• Clean condenser coils
• Check refrigerant and electrical connections

⚠ 12+ years old: watch for efficiency drops

• Annual tank flush
• Check anode rod every 2–3 years
• Test pressure relief valve

⚠ 8+ years old: actively budget for replacement

• Spring and fall visual inspection
• Check flashing around chimneys and vents
• Clear debris from valleys

⚠ 20+ years old: get a professional assessment

• Check all shutoff valves
• Inspect under-sink areas and water heater connections
• Look for slow drains indicating blockages

⚠ Galvanized pipes in older homes: corrosion risk

• Test all GFCIs
• Check breaker panel for tripped or warm breakers
• Inspect visible wiring in basement/attic

⚠ Aluminum wiring or fuse boxes: get electrician assessment

• Clean refrigerator coils
• Clean dryer vent (fire hazard)
• Inspect dishwasher door seal and hoses

⚠ 10+ years old: include in CapEx reserve planning