Rental property maintenance checklist.

How to use this checklist

• Adjust it to your climate and property. A condo, a single-family house and a small multifamily building need different lists; skip what doesn’t apply and add what does.
• Give tenants notice before you enter. Follow the notice your lease and state law require, and schedule visits together where you can.
• Write down what you did and when, with photos. A maintenance history helps with warranties, insurance claims and taxes, and shows a tenant you took care of the home.
• Use licensed professionals for gas, electrical, roofing and anything else your state requires.

Spring

• Inspect the roof, flashing and chimney for winter damageDone ___
• Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure water drains away from the foundationDone ___
• Service the air conditioning and replace the filterDone ___
• Check the foundation, basement and crawl space for cracks or waterDone ___
• Test outdoor faucets and irrigation for freeze damageDone ___
• Check windows, screens and sealsDone ___

Summer

• Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof, siding and wiringDone ___
• Check decks, stairs and railings for loose boards and rotDone ___
• Look for pests and signs of termites; schedule treatment if neededDone ___
• Clean the dryer vent duct all the way to the outsideDone ___
• Inspect exterior paint, caulk and sidingDone ___

Fall

• Service the furnace or heat pump and replace the filterDone ___
• Clean gutters again after the leaves fallDone ___
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets; insulate exposed pipesDone ___
• Weatherstrip doors and windowsDone ___
• Have the chimney and any fuel-burning fireplace inspectedDone ___
• Remind tenants how to prevent frozen pipes and who to call in an emergencyDone ___

Winter

• Watch for ice dams and roof leaks after stormsDone ___
• Keep walkways and steps clear and safe, as your lease and local rules assignDone ___
• Check that heat reaches every roomDone ___
• Check under sinks and around the water heater for leaksDone ___

Every year

• Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector; replace batteries and expired unitsDone ___
• Check fire extinguishers (charge and expiration date)Done ___
• Flush the water heater and test its pressure relief valveDone ___
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoorsDone ___
• Check the electrical panel for warm, corroded or mislabeled breakersDone ___
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks where neededDone ___
• Review appliance age and set aside money for the ones near the end of their lifeDone ___

Between tenants

• Complete the move-out inspection against the move-in recordDone ___
• Rekey or change the locksDone ___
• Deep clean, including appliances, vents and window tracksDone ___
• Patch and paint walls as neededDone ___
• Clean or replace carpet; check floorsDone ___
• Replace HVAC filters and test every appliance, fixture and detectorDone ___
• Complete the move-in inspection with the new tenantDone ___

Use the move-in / move-out inspection checklist for the inspections at each end.