It’s hard to complain about the weather in San Diego. The mild climate in and around the city is one of the reasons so many of us love living here. And, while we’re spared the snow and ice of freezing winters, it’s entirely possible that we’ll encounter more than one blustery day. And while we don’t have the sweaty, humid summers, the heat can definitely rise in the middle of summer.
Our climate is gentle, generally, but routine maintenance is still crucial to preserving the value of your investment and ensuring the comfort and safety of your tenants.
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 San Diego property in its best possible condition.
Springing Towards Maintenance Tasks
Think of spring in San Diego, and you’re likely imagining bright, blooming flowers. Chirping birds. Warm days and pleasant evenings. Spring in this part of the country is pleasant, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to take care of some of these seasonal concerns at your rental properties.
- Spring Cleaning
When we talk about spring cleaning, we don’t simply mean cleaning out the coat closet or the garage. Spring cleaning is also for the systems and functions at your investment property. This is the best time of year to clear gutters and downspouts, especially if there is some unexpected rain during the winter. Clear out any debris that may have 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 as summer approaches, and you want to make sure it’s ready.
- Update Your Curb Appeal
Warming days allow for more time outside. A good reason to refresh your property’s green spaces. Whether you have a large yard, a small courtyard, or a mere patio, prune shrubs and trees, keeping branches away from the property. Apply mulch to any garden beds to control weeds and retain soil moisture. Begin regular lawn care, including aeration and fertilizer application.
Summer Maintenance in San Diego
Summertime is here, and there will be far more opportunities to spend time outside. Have fun, and 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 always be on your mind, so clear out any vents, especially dryer vents. Trim the greenery around your home and ensure you’re compliant with all fire safety regulations. Change air filters and make sure your irrigation is working. If there is a drought, make sure you’re respecting any watering limits.
Days are longer, so use those hours to inspect and fix any issues around the property’s exterior. Inspect the roof to make sure there isn’t any damage or attention needed. If repairs are required, make them. When your exterior paint begins to fade or chip, touch things up in the summer months. You’ll also want to repair the siding.
Are you up to date with pest control? This is a good time to evaluate your contract and make sure you’re happy with the preventative services you’re receiving.
Falling for Autumn Maintenance
It’s fall, and before you sip your first pumpkin spice beverage, prepare your San Diego properties for potentially cooler weather. Here are some good ideas:
- Think insulation. Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts. This is more energy-efficient and will contribute both to the comfort of your tenants and lower energy bills.
- Think water. 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.
- Think fires. 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:
- Lights. Test and maintain exterior lighting. Upgrade lights, if necessary. Motion lights can make tenants feel more secure.
- Safety. Inspect walkways and railings for safety hazards. You don’t want to invite accidents, injuries, or lawsuits.
- Planning. Review and update your property’s emergency preparedness plan.
Winterizing Your San Diego Property
No, our winters are not harsh, but it’s wise to be prepared for colder 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.
In the homes you’re renting out, 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 responsible 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.
We are always talking with our investors about the importance of proactive maintenance and how it 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 San Diego 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. Please contact us at Ann Tasias & Associates. We’d love to tell you more and to be your San Diego property management resource. We manage real estate and investment homes in San Diego, along the I-15 corridor in communities like Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos, and Rancho Bernardo.
