Seasonal Rental Preventive Maintenance Checklist
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A twice-a-year walk-through checklist for self-managing landlords that covers the exterior, heating and cooling, water, safety devices, and the quiet leaks tenants never report, with every finding logged as its own request.

[ ] Written entry notice sent for each unit with the lead time your lease and state law require, and the visit window confirmed with the tenant, including any pets to secure.
[ ] Gutters and downspouts cleared, checked for proper drainage away from the foundation, and any loose or separated sections refastened.
[ ] Exterior walked for grading that slopes toward the building, cracked walkways, loose railings, rotted trim, and peeling paint, with photos of anything that needs to be scheduled.
[ ] Roof checked from the ground or by a roofer for missing shingles, lifted flashing, and debris in valleys, and any stains on top-floor ceilings noted as possible leaks.
[ ] Air conditioning serviced before the first hot stretch: filter replaced, condenser coil cleared of leaves and dirt, condensate drain line flushed, and any refrigerant work left to a certified technician.
[ ] Weatherstripping, window screens, and caulk around windows and exterior doors inspected and repaired where they have cracked or pulled away.
[ ] Exterior hose bibs and any irrigation turned on and checked for leaks after winter, with the interior shutoff locations confirmed and written into the property inventory.
[ ] Furnace or boiler serviced by a qualified technician before heating season, with the filter replaced and the service report attached to the property record.
[ ] Chimney and flue inspected, and cleaned if needed, wherever a fireplace or wood stove is in use.
[ ] Exterior hose bibs and irrigation lines shut off and drained before the first freeze, and pipe insulation checked in crawl spaces, garages, and other unheated areas.
[ ] Dryer vent cleaned from the back of the appliance to the exterior cap, and the cap flap confirmed to open and close freely.
[ ] Water heater checked for corrosion, leaks at the fittings, and a working temperature and pressure relief valve, with a flush if the manufacturer's instructions call for it.
[ ] Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tested with the test button, batteries replaced, and any unit past the manufacturer's replacement date swapped out.
[ ] GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, and outdoors tested with their built-in test and reset buttons.
[ ] Under-sink cabinets, the floor around toilets, and the area behind the washer checked for moisture, soft or stained cabinet floors, and slow leaks that tenants rarely report.
[ ] Caulk and grout around tubs and showers inspected and resealed where water can get behind the surface.
[ ] Range hood filter cleaned or replaced, and refrigerator coils vacuumed where they are accessible.
[ ] Sump pump tested by pouring water into the pit until it cycles, with the discharge line confirmed clear, wherever a sump is present.
[ ] Exterior and common area lighting checked, bulbs replaced, and timers or motion sensors adjusted for the season.
[ ] Door locks, deadbolts, window latches, and handrails checked for secure operation, with anything loose or sticking scheduled for repair.
[ ] Appliance model and serial numbers, install dates, and the ages of the roof, water heater, furnace, and air conditioner confirmed against the property inventory and updated where they have changed.
[ ] Every finding from the walk-through entered in the maintenance log as its own request, with photos, a category, an assignee, and a due date, so preventive work is tracked exactly like a tenant request.
[ ] Next seasonal visit placed on the calendar with a reminder, and any items deferred this time carried forward with a note on why.