The winter season can be hard on a home.  For that reason, either spring or fall is the best time to perform annual maintenance tasks.  Preventative maintenance is vital to the long-term value of your home, as well as, to saving you and your renters from vacation-ruining catastrophes. 

Exterior
□ Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
□ Pressure-wash wood siding to prevent mold.
□ Check the exterior paint for bare spots.
□ Inspect and replace exterior caulk.
□ Check window and door sills for leaks and caulk where necessary.
□ Clean air-conditioning unit.
□ Check the foundation.
□ Trim trees and bushes.
□ Check the sprinkler system.
□ Check all decks for loose boards, railings, and stairs.
□ Inspect the condition of the roof.
□ Check window screens.
□ Check fences and gates.
□ Check the automatic garage door opener.
□ Examine the septic system for flooding or unusual odor.
□ Check the latches on storm windows.
□ Inspect the grading around house to make sure that water drains away from the house on all sides.
□ Check outside walls for termite tubes and damaged wood.

Kitchen
□ Clean and seal tile and grout.
□ Check and fix leaky faucets.

Bathroom
□ Clean and seal tile and grout.
□ Make sure that all toilets are properly secured to the floor.
□ Check and fix leaky faucets and toilets.

Attic
□ Check the attic for signs of moisture (i.e. water stains on the underside of the roof sheathing).
□ Check all wooden materials for mildew and rot.
□ Look for indications of a pest infestation.

Misc. Interior
□ Clean out ashes from the fireplace.
□ Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
□ Replace batteries in clocks.
□ Clean furnace ducts.
□ Change furnace filters.
□ Check doorframes for square-ness.  Inspect door frames.
□ Check the main electrical panel for rust and/or water marks.
□ Test circuit breakers.
□ Inspect fire extinguisher.
□ Check walls for condensation and mildew.

© Copyright 2006 HomeAway, Inc.

Handling Maintenance at Your Vacation Rental    Your one-stop-shop for learning the necessary maintenance tasks to keep your home up and renting.

Seven Tasks That Should Be on Your Maintenance Schedule     Regular maintenance of your property will provide a more pleasant stay for your renters as well as increase the life of your home and amenities.

Is There a Fungus Among Us?: Detecting and Preventing Mold in Vacation Homes    How to detect and prevent mold in your vacation property.

The Importance of Proper Preventative Maintenance     Preventative maintenance can make things work more efficiently and last longer.

Seven Preventative Maintenance Tips To Consider    It's always beneficial to be prepared. Here are some ways to equip your vacation home to avoid unnecessary maintenance problems.

Going Green at Your Vacation Home, Part 2    Learn how to help your renters be environmentally conscious while staying at your vacation property.

Sliding Glass Doors: Replace or Repair?    Sliding glass doors are great as long as they work; but when they start sticking or not opening easily, they can be a pain.

Fifteen "Must Haves" for Vacation Property Maintenance    Having these supplies on hand will help clean or repair any unexpected mishaps in your vacation rental home.

Winter Lock-Up: How to Protect Your Vacation Property During the Winter    Protect your property from unwanted intruders during the unoccupied winter months.

Christine's Blog: Doing Maintenance While on Vacation (3/21/07)    Christine's recent visit to her vacation rental home entailed more than just soaking in the sun. Each time she visits her properties, she completes necessary maintenance tasks that come with renting by owner.