Winter is the toughest season for managing a vacation rental home. Even in temperate climates, the threat of severe weather is real. But you can take steps in advance that will reduce risks and keep your vacation rental home safer.
Preparing your vacation rental home for winter can prevent major headaches like broken heating systems and burst pipes. Such preparation is a prime instance of the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
If you are unsure of the coverage your vacation rental home insurance provides, call your provider and ask. They are also invested in keeping your rental home or vacation rental safe.
Winterizing your rental property involves preparing the home’s exterior and interior. Here are several steps you can take to keep your vacation rental home safer this winter.
SECURING YOUR VACATION RENTAL HOME’S EXTERIOR
Begin by inspecting the exterior of your rental home. Fixing small issues now can help you avoid being called out during bad weather.
VISUALLY INSPECT ROOF
If you don’t want to call out professional roofers to inspect the roof of your rental home, at least give it a visual inspection to check for loose shingles. If you see loose shingles, call your roofer to have them repaired. Ice can seriously damage a roof that is not in good condition.
CLEAR GUTTERS
Clearing leaves and other debris from gutters allows rain to flow properly. Additionally, the more debris in the gutters, the likelier snow and ice are to build up there. Clearing out the gutters also allows you to spot potential problems and minor damage that will be easier to fix.
DETACH HOSES AND COVER OUTDOOR SPIGOTS
Even if a mild winter is forecast, it’s wise to detach hoses from spigots. Additionally, you may choose to install a cover over your outdoor spigot for further protection against severe cold weather.
CHECK THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF RAILINGS
Outdoor steps and walkways often feature railings. It is important to check the security of these railings.
Railings should be sturdy enough for adults to hold onto. Fix loose or damaged railings now to provide added safety in the event of ice and snow.
AVOID MULTIPLE SMALL CLAIMS
The cost of your vacation rental home insurance premiums depends partly on your claims history. Should you make a claim for a small repair that you could accomplish inexpensively yourself? You will have to weigh this cost against making a claim and potentially raising your deductibles.
The more claims you make, the higher your premiums will be. Furthermore, some insurers balk at histories of multiple claims and, in some cases, may not offer coverage because of excessive claims.
CONSIDER NONSLIP COATING OF WALKWAYS
If ice and snow are problematic at your vacation rental home’s location, you may consider adding a nonslip coating to walkways. This can prevent slips and falls.
Additionally, look for holes in and around walkways and have them filled. Accidentally stepping in a hole can cause injury, particularly if the surrounding area is slick.
SECURING YOUR VACATION RENTAL HOME’S INTERIOR
You can take several steps to make the interior of your rental home safer and more comfortable during the winter months. Your tenants will be safer and more comfortable, and you will be less likely to receive a dreaded emergency call during severe weather.
SEAL DRAUGHTS AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS
Draughts around windows and doors are common. Usually, they are easy to fix with products designed specifically for the task.
Sealing up draughts can keep your tenants more comfortable while keeping heating bills more reasonable. You’ll also benefit next summer when they have the AC turned on.
CHANGING CENTRAL HEAT FILTER
Changing the filter on your rental home’s central heating system is an easy way to help the system run more efficiently. Ideally, these filters should be changed monthly.
HAVE CHIMNEYS SWEPT
Vacation Rental homes with working fireplaces should have the chimneys swept every year. Keeping the chimney clean helps fireplaces work properly. It can also prevent dangerous chimney fires and backdrafts.
CHECK SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order. If they use batteries, now is a good time to put fresh batteries in.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that do not require batteries should also be tested to ensure they work properly. These alarms must be replaced after a certain number of years.
ENSURE HEATING VENTS ARE UNOBSTRUCTED
Check heating vents in your vacation rental home to make sure they are not obstructed by drapes, furniture, or other objects. When all the vents are free from obstructions, heat will circulate better. The house will stay warmer, and the heating system will run more efficiently.
WRAP POTENTIALLY EXPOSED PIPES
Pipes that may be subject to extreme cold can be wrapped to protect them in extreme cold. Ask your tenants to leave faucets dripping during extreme cold to help prevent frozen and burst pipes.
INFORMED GUESTS ARE SAFER GUESTS
Make sure your guests know who to call in case of a frozen or burst pipe, a problem with the heating system, or roof damage. The less time spent scrambling for the right person, the sooner repairs can be started.
It is a good idea to understand exactly what your vacation rental home insurance covers and your coverage limits. Your independent insurance agent is ready to answer your questions and ensure you have proper coverage for your rental property or vacation rental home.
Preventing problems with your vacation rental home in winter is your best defense against surprise expenses and repairs.