The Holidays Can Be a Lot
The holiday season is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year. Between family gatherings, holiday decorations, cooler temperatures, and end-of-year celebrations, there is plenty for homeowners and renters to look forward to. However, for Arizona rental property owners, the holidays are also an important time to think about property maintenance, tenant satisfaction, and protecting their investments.
Although Arizona winters are generally milder than those in many other parts of the country, cooler weather, seasonal storms, increased travel, and holiday decorations can create unique challenges for rental properties.
Whether you own a single-family rental or multiple in the Phoenix area, preparing ahead of time can help prevent maintenance problems and make the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone. Our job here is to inform you of how you can prepare your rental properties for the holidays.
1. Schedule a Seasonal Property Inspection
One of the best ways to prepare a rental property for the holidays is to schedule seasonal maintenance. While Arizona doesn’t experience the freezing temperatures of other states, cooler weather can still reveal maintenance problems that may have gone unnoticed during the summer. Consider inspecting:
- Heating systems
- Plumbing fixtures and pipes
- Roofs and gutters
- Windows and doors
- Smoke detectors
- Electrical outlets
- Exterior lighting
Identifying small problems early can help prevent unexpected repairs during the holidays. These inspections should also be documented and communicated to the tenant.
2. Make Sure Heating Systems Are Working Properly
Arizona is known for its hot summers, but temperatures can drop significantly during the winter. Although many Mesa homes don’t require heating as frequently as homes in colder climates, a functioning heating system is still an important part of maintaining a comfortable rental property.
Before winter arrives, landlords should consider having heating equipment professionally inspected and serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. Property owners should also make sure tenants know how to operate their heating systems and how to submit maintenance requests if something isn’t working correctly.
A properly maintained heating system can help provide comfort during cooler evenings and reduce the likelihood of unexpected problems.
3. Prepare the Property for Holiday Travel
The holiday season is a popular time for travel. Many tenants leave town to visit family, take vacations, or attend holiday celebrations. While tenants are away, certain property maintenance concerns may go unnoticed. Landlords and property managers can help by providing tenants with general seasonal reminders, such as:
- Reporting existing plumbing leaks before traveling
- Making sure doors and windows are properly secured
- Keeping heating systems operating according to safe manufacturer guidance
- Avoiding leaving appliances running unnecessarily
- Providing appropriate contact information for urgent maintenance issues
4. Encourage Safe Holiday Decorating
Holiday decorations are a fun way for tenants to make their homes feel festive. However, decorations can sometimes create maintenance and safety concerns. Electrical decorations, candles, extension cords, and outdoor lighting should be used carefully.
Property managers can encourage tenants to:
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets
- Use decorations according to manufacturer instructions
- Keep decorations away from heating equipment
- Avoid using damaged electrical cords
- Secure outdoor decorations appropriately
- Follow any reasonable and lawful community decorating guidelines
Tenants should also be reminded that applicable community rules may restrict certain decorations, displays, or outdoor lighting. Landlords should make sure any property policies concerning decorations are clearly communicated and applied consistently.
5. Check Exterior Lighting and Walkways
With shorter daylight hours during the winter, exterior lighting becomes especially important. Tenants, visitors, delivery drivers, and guests may be arriving at properties after dark more frequently during the holiday season.
Property owners should inspect:
- Porch lights
- Garage lighting
- Walkway lighting
- Parking areas
- Exterior stairways
- Entryways
- Common area lighting
Any burned-out bulbs or damaged fixtures should be addressed. Walkways should also be checked for uneven surfaces, loose materials, and other potential tripping hazards.
6. Protect the Property During Arizona’s Cooler Weather
Although freezing temperatures aren’t an everyday concern in Phoenix, some Arizona communities experience colder winter weather than others. Properties in higher-elevation areas may face more significant winter maintenance challenges.
Depending on the property, winter preparation may include:
- Inspecting exposed plumbing
- Checking weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Examining roof drainage
- Maintaining irrigation systems
- Addressing exterior cracks or damaged seals
- Following appropriate precautions during freezing weather advisories
Taking these steps can help protect a property from weather-related damage.
7. Keep Landscaping Looking Its Best
The holiday season is also a great time to evaluate the property’s landscaping. Arizona’s cooler months provide different landscaping opportunities than the intense summer season.
Dead plants, overgrown branches, damaged irrigation lines, and accumulated debris can make a rental property appear neglected. Property owners should consider seasonal landscaping maintenance, including:
- Removing dead vegetation
- Trimming overgrown trees and shrubs
- Checking irrigation systems
- Cleaning up fallen leaves and debris
- Maintaining desert-friendly plants
- Refreshing landscaping materials when necessary
Well-maintained landscaping can improve curb appeal and make a positive impression on current tenants, prospective renters, and visitors.
8. Show Appreciation for Your Tenants
The holidays provide a great opportunity for property owners and property management companies to strengthen relationships with their tenants. Good tenant relationships can contribute to better communication, improved tenant satisfaction, and potentially longer lease renewals. A little appreciation can go a long way.
Any gifts or appreciation programs should be voluntary and handled consistently and fairly. It’s also important to remember that not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Inclusive seasonal greetings, such as wishing tenants a happy holiday season, can help make everyone feel welcome.
Give Your Rental Property the Gift of Good Management
The holiday season is a great reminder that maintaining a rental property requires year-round attention. From inspecting heating systems and checking exterior lighting to preparing for tenant travel and managing landscaping, a little preparation can go a long way.
Here at Stone Rent – Real Estate Property Management LLC, we want to help you take a proactive approach to seasonal maintenance that can help protect property values, reduce unexpected expenses, and create a better experience for tenants.
