Planning on investing in Las Vegas rental property? if so, one of the most important things to do is to schedule maintenance just so you can keep it on schedule and not fall behind.
In this article we will offer you a 12-month maintenance checklist that you can use for keeping your rental property in excellent shape all year long!
January: Winter Safety & Insulation Check
When the winter freeze sets in, your primary focus should be on protecting the property's structure and ensuring tenant safety.
* Inspect pipes: Check uninsulated areas (like basements or crawl spaces) to ensure pipes aren’t at risk of freezing.
* Clear walkways: Ensure sidewalks, driveways, and stairs are kept clear of ice and snow to prevent slip-and-fall liabilities.
* Test detectors: Use the turn of the year to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every unit.
February: HVAC Prep & Indoor Air Quality
Mid-winter is the perfect time to focus on interior systems while the weather outside is harsh.
* Change furnace filters: Replace HVAC filters to keep systems running efficiently and maintain indoor air quality.
* Check ventilation: Inspect bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to ensure moisture is escaping properly, preventing mold growth.
* Inspect seals: Look for drafts around windows and doors; re-caulk or replace weatherstripping as needed.
March: Early Spring Roof & Gutter Inspection
As the ice melts, it’s time to see how the roof and drainage systems held up.
* Clean the gutters: Clear out winter debris, leaves, and twigs so spring showers don't cause roof leaks or foundation issues.
* Inspect the roof: Look from the ground (or hire a pro) for missing shingles, flashing damage, or signs of sagging.
* Check sump pumps: If the property has a basement sump pump, test it now before heavy spring rains arrive.
April: Landscaping & Exterior Tune-Up
Spring has officially sprung. Focus on curb appeal and exterior safety.
* Inquire about irrigation: Turn on outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems to check for leaks or broken heads.
* Landscaping cleanup: Clear away dead winter landscaping, trim overhanging branches away from the roof line, and refresh mulch.
* Power wash surfaces: Clean siding, Las Vegas Rental Property walkways, and decks to remove winter grime and buildup.
May: AC Service & Pest Control
Before the summer heat hits, make sure your cooling systems and pest defenses are locked down.
* Service AC units: Have a technician service the air conditioning systems so they don’t fail on the first 90-degree day.
* Pest control perimeter spray: Spray the exterior foundation for ants, spiders, and other common spring pests.
* Inspect decks and patios: Check railings, stairs, and deck boards for stability and signs of wood rot.
June: Exterior Structures & Concrete Check
Take advantage of the consistent warm weather to handle structural repairs.
* Inspect concrete: Look for cracks or shifting in sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots that could present tripping hazards.
* Check fences and gates: Ensure perimeter fencing is secure and gates latch properly.
* Test outdoor lighting: Check that all dusk-to-dawn exterior lighting and motion sensors are functioning for tenant safety.
July: Mid-Year Interior Walkthroughs
Summer is a great time for routine tenant check-ins and interior assessments.
* Schedule interior inspections: Check for unreported leaks under sinks, structural damage, or lease violations.
* Test major appliances: Verify that the provided refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers are running efficiently.
* Check water heaters: Flush the tanks to remove sediment buildup and prolong their lifespan.
August: Foundation & Crawl Space Inspection
Late Nevada summer is typically dry, making it ideal for checking the lowest points of your property.
* Inspect the foundation: Look for new settling cracks on the exterior walls.
* Check crawl spaces/basements: Look for signs of moisture, wood-boring insects, or high humidity.
* Seal entry points: Block any small gaps where mice or rats might try to squeeze in as the weather cools.
September: Fall Prep & Chimney Sweeps
Start transitioning the property out of the summer heat and prepare for the autumn chill.
* Service the heating system: Schedule your fall furnace or boiler tune-up early to avoid technicians getting booked up.
* Sweep chimneys: If your units have wood-burning fireplaces, have them professionally inspected and cleaned.
* Check windows and screens: Repair any torn window screens and ensure windows lock securely for winter insulation.
October: Gutter Clearing & Tree Trimming
As the leaves fall, maintaining proper drainage and property safety is critical.
* Final gutter cleaning: Do a thorough clean once most of the leaves have fallen.
* Trim trees: Cut back weak or dead branches that could snap under the weight of winter ice or snow.
* Aerate and overseed: If you handle extensive lawn care, fall is the time to prep the turf for next spring.
November: Winterization & Pipe Prep
Get the property fully ready to withstand sub-zero temperatures.
* Disconnect outdoor hoses: Drain outdoor spigots and shut off the water valves to exterior lines to prevent bursts.
* Insulate Las Vegas Rental Property exposed pipes: Wrap any vulnerable plumbing in unheated spaces with foam insulation.
* Review snow removal contracts: Confirm your snow plow and shoveling schedules with vendors before the first storm.
December: Emergency Prep & Year-End Review
Wrap up the year by ensuring your emergency protocols are tight.
* Locate main shut-offs: Remind tenants where the main water shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency pipe burst.
* Inspect common areas: If managing multi-family units, ensure hallways, stairwells, and emergency exits are entirely clear of obstructions.
* Review maintenance logs: Analyze your maintenance spend for the year to budget accurately for the upcoming year.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Keeping a digital log of these checks not only protects your property's value but also creates a clear paper trail showing your commitment to habitability and tenant safety.
Contact GoldenWest Management
One of the best things that you can do as a new Las Vegas property owner is outsource property management to GoldenWest Management and let our team professionally manager your rental property for you.
Why try DIY management? Experience the difference that our property management team can offer you. Contact us today at (866) 545-5303 or click here to connect with us online.
