Reactive vs. Proactive Maintenance

Reactive maintenance (fixing things after they break) costs 3x to 5x more than preventative maintenance. A $5,000 HVAC replacement could often have been delayed by years with $150 annual tune-ups. In 2025, operating efficiently means getting ahead of the curve.

Spring Checklist

Roof & Gutters: Inspect for winter damage, loose shingles, and clear debris from gutters to prevent water backup.
HVAC Servicing: Schedule a professional A/C tune-up before the summer heat wave hits. Change filters.
Windows & Screens: Check for tears in screens and re-caulk windows to improve energy efficiency.

Summer Checklist

Landscaping: trim tree branches that may be touching the roof or power lines.
Pest Control: Spray the perimeter to keep ants and roaches out.
Deck & Patrol: Check for loose boards or rotting wood on outdoor structures.

Fall Checklist

Heating System: Service the furnace/boiler. Bleed radiators if necessary. A broken heater in January is an emergency; in October, it's a scheduled repair.
Winterize Pipes: Disconnect garden hoses and insulate exposed pipes in basements or garages.
Chimney: Have chimneys cleaned and inspected if the property has a fireplace.

Winter Checklist

Ice & Snow: Ensure you have a plan for snow removal (or that the lease clearly assigns this to the tenant).
Attic Insulation: Check for heat loss and add insulation if necessary to prevent ice dams.
Interior Checks: Inspect under sinks for leaks that may go unnoticed by tenants.

Documentation

Use a property management app (like Axis CRM) to log every maintenance visit. Photos of the "before and after" are crucial for potential security deposit disputes. Regular inspections also show the tenant that you care about the property, which subtly encourages them to take better care of it too.

The Ultimate Preventative Maintenance Checklist for 2025