As the colder months approach, it’s important to prepare your vacation rental for winter weather. Failing to complete essential maintenance tasks can lead to expensive damage and potential safety issues, putting both your property and your guests at risk. This Fall Maintenance Checklist is designed to help you safeguard your investment and ensure your property remains in top condition throughout the colder season. 

Download this Rental Property Maintenance Checklist PDF to keep organized or hand off to your team.

Benefits of a comprehensive maintenance checklist

Implementing a thorough checklist with your maintenance team can take some extra work, but here’s how it helps your business:

• Enhances guest comfort: Proper heating and weatherproofing ensure a cozy environment, which can lead to positive guest reviews and repeat bookings.
• Prevents issues: Regular inspections and maintenance prevent small problems from escalating into costly repairs. Plus, it keeps guests safe in emergencies.
• Saves you time: A systematic approach to maintenance saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of hosting.

Complete fall maintenance checklist

Interior:

• Flip the mattress: If possible, flip or rotate your mattress to ensure even wear.
• Warmer bedding: Switch to warmer bedding to keep your guests comfortable.
• Seal air leaks: Check for and seal any air leaks around windows and doors to maintain indoor warmth.
• Clean carpets: A clean carpet improves indoor air quality and guest comfort.
• Draft stoppers: Use draft stoppers to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Exterior:

• Clean the gutters: Remove debris to prevent water damage and maintain proper drainage.
• Inspect roof & make repairs: Check for any damage and make necessary repairs before the weather worsens.
• Inspect and repair walkways: Fix any tripping hazards and keep walkways safe.
• Buy ice melt/salt: Keeps driveways and walkways safer during ice and snow storms
• Winterize outdoor furniture: Cover or store furniture and grills to protect them.
• Turn off exterior faucets: Prevent frozen pipes by turning off and draining exterior faucets.
• Drain garden hose: Ensure hoses are drained and stored properly to avoid damage.
• Fertilize: Prepare your garden for winter by applying fall fertilizer.

Safety:

• Test detectors: Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Full heating system inspection: Schedule an inspection to avoid any heating issues during colder months.
• Replace furnace filter: A clean filter improves efficiency and air quality.
• Inspect fireplace & chimney: Have a licensed professional inspect and sweep if needed. Keep records of the inspection.
• Plan for emergency situations: Update the house manual to include tips for staying warm and what to do in case of power outages or severe weather, including backup heating options.
• Stock up on:
  • Firewood
  • Blankets
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries (various sizes)
  • Battery operate candles or lanterns

Final Thoughts

By implementing this checklist, you'll proactively prevent costly issues and ensure your vacation rental is safe, comfortable, and ready for the winter season. Consistent maintenance not only protects your property but also enhances the guest experience, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings. Taking these steps now safeguards your investment and allows your short-term rental business to grow by building a reliable reputation that attracts more guests year-round.

Downloadable vacation rental maintenance checklist PDF

To help you manage your maintenance tasks more effectively, we’ve compiled the above list into a downloadable PDF. You can work through the checklist on your own or print it out to hand over to your team. Download the free PDF here.