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Fall is one of the best times for landlords to take a close look at their rental properties.

The temperatures are dropping, winter weather is coming, and small maintenance issues that are manageable in September or October can become much bigger problems once snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive.

For landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, a little preparation in the fall can help reduce the risk of water damage, frozen pipes, heating failures, slips and falls, storm damage and other costly problems. Having the right landlord insurance in place is part of that protection — but so is staying on top of property maintenance before winter sets in.

It can also help protect your tenants, your rental income and your investment.

Here are 11 things landlords should check before winter arrives.

1. Check the Roof, Gutters and Drainage

Start at the top.

Look for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, signs of leaks and other roof issues. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water is being directed away from the foundation.

Fall rain can also help reveal drainage problems that may be harder to spot during dry weather.

Pay attention to:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Loose flashing
• Signs of previous leaks
• Blocked gutters
• Damaged downspouts
• Water pooling near the foundation
• Exterior drains that are not flowing properly

A small roof or drainage issue in the fall can become a much larger water problem once winter weather arrives.

2. Inspect and Service the Heating System and Fireplaces

A heating failure in January is much more serious than one in September.

Make sure the property’s heating system is operating properly before cold weather arrives. Depending on the property, that could include:

• Electric baseboards
• Heat pumps
• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Oil-fired equipment
• Propane fireplaces or heating systems
• Wood-burning appliances

Where appropriate, have heating equipment serviced by a qualified professional.

If the property has a propane fireplace or propane heating appliance, have it inspected and serviced as recommended and make sure vents and surrounding areas are clear.

If the property uses oil heat, check the condition of the oil tank and related equipment.

If there is a wood stove or other wood-burning appliance, make sure required inspections and maintenance are up to date.

A reliable heating system is not only about tenant comfort. It can also help protect against frozen pipes and other winter damage.

3. Protect Against Frozen Pipes and Water Damage

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage very quickly.

Check vulnerable plumbing in:

• Exterior walls
• Unheated basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages
• Utility rooms
• Areas exposed to drafts

Pay particular attention to exterior faucets and water lines before freezing temperatures arrive.

Remove garden hoses from exterior taps. A hose left connected can trap water in the faucet or supply line and contribute to freezing and damage.

Where the plumbing is designed for it:

• Shut off the interior water supply valve serving exterior faucets
• Open the exterior tap to drain remaining water
• Drain other seasonal exterior water lines
• Make sure exposed or vulnerable pipes are adequately protected

Also check for existing plumbing leaks, signs of moisture and other water issues before winter.

Make sure tenants know what to do if the heat stops working or they discover a leak. Where appropriate, they should also know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to contact you quickly in an emergency.

4. Check Windows, Doors and Exterior Openings

Inspect exterior windows and doors for:

• Drafts
• Damaged weatherstripping
• Failed caulking
• Broken locks
• Cracked glass
• Water intrusion
• Doors or windows that do not close properly

Cold air and moisture entering the building can increase heating costs and potentially expose plumbing to lower temperatures.

Pay particular attention to older windows, basement doors and other areas that are exposed to wind and weather.

5. Inspect Steps, Walkways, Decks and Railings

Fall is a good time to identify exterior hazards before snow and ice cover them.

Check:

• Steps
• Walkways
• Driveways
• Decks
• Porches
• Handrails
• Guardrails
• Exterior lighting

Look for loose boards, cracked concrete, uneven surfaces, damaged steps, deteriorated railings and other issues that could create a safety or liability risk.

A small problem that is easy to see in the fall can become much harder to spot once it is covered by snow or ice.

6. Make a Snow and Ice Removal Plan

Do not wait for the first snowfall to decide who is responsible.

Make sure there is a clear plan for:

• Shovelling steps
• Clearing walkways
• Clearing driveways
• Salting or sanding icy areas
• Maintaining common entrances

Depending on the rental arrangement, the work may be handled by the landlord, tenant or a contractor.

What matters is that the responsibility is clear and the work gets done.

If you use a snow-clearing contractor, confirm arrangements before the busy winter season begins.

7. Check Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Fire Safety

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and check batteries and expiry dates where applicable.

Also look at:

• Fire extinguishers, where provided
• Dryer vents
• Electrical panels
• Heating equipment
• Chimneys
• Emergency exits

Fire and carbon monoxide safety should be part of regular property maintenance throughout the year, but fall is a good time to make sure everything is ready before heating systems are working harder and tenants are spending more time indoors.

8. Prepare the Exterior for Fall and Winter Storms

Take a walk around the property and look for anything that could become a problem during high winds, heavy rain, snow or ice.

Check for:

• Loose siding
• Damaged shingles
• Weak or dead tree branches
• Loose fencing
• Unsecured sheds
• Outdoor furniture
• Garbage containers
• Items stored on decks or balconies

Anything that can move in high winds can potentially damage your property or someone else’s.

Also look for branches hanging over the roof, driveway, walkways or neighbouring property. Use qualified professionals for tree work that is beyond basic maintenance, especially around buildings or power lines.

9. Check In With Your Tenants

A quick check-in with tenants before winter can help uncover small issues before they become bigger problems.

Ask whether there are any outstanding:

• Maintenance concerns
• Leaks
• Heating issues
• Drafts
• Damaged steps or railings
• Plumbing problems
• Other issues you should know about

Make sure tenants know:

• How to reach you
• Who to contact for urgent repairs
• What to do if the heat stops working
• How to report a leak or water problem
• Who is responsible for snow and ice removal
• How to contact you after hours if there is an emergency

Good communication can make a big difference.

A small issue reported early is usually much easier to deal with than one discovered after it has caused significant damage.

10. Pay Extra Attention to Vacant Properties or Units

A vacant property or unit needs extra attention, especially as temperatures drop.

With nobody living there, problems such as these can go unnoticed:

• A heating failure
• A burst pipe
• A leak
• Storm damage
• A break-in
• Other developing maintenance issues

Inspect vacant properties or units regularly and make sure heating, plumbing and other building systems are being maintained.

If a property will be vacant or unoccupied for an extended period, tell your insurance broker.

Vacancy can affect your insurance coverage or create additional insurer requirements, so do not assume your policy continues unchanged simply because you still own the property.

11. Review Your Landlord Insurance

Fall is a good time to check in with your insurance broker and make sure your landlord insurance policy still reflects the property as it is today.

Let your broker know about any significant changes, such as:

• Renovations or upgrades
• A new roof
• Plumbing or electrical updates
• Changes to the heating system
• A new propane fireplace or wood stove
• An added rental unit
• A change in how the property is rented
• A vacant or unoccupied unit
• The purchase of another rental property

It is also a good opportunity to review your coverage, deductibles and limits and ask any questions you may have about how your landlord insurance applies.

Take a few photos while you are doing your fall inspection as well.

Photos of the roof, exterior, steps, decks, heating equipment, major repairs and upgrades can give you a useful record of the property’s condition and the maintenance you have completed.

Keep those photos with your other property and maintenance records.

Insurance should keep pace with the property, so a quick seasonal check-in can help make sure nothing important has changed without being reflected in your policy.

Quick Fall Checklist for Landlords

Before winter arrives, check:

• Roof, gutters and drainage
• Heating systems, including propane and wood-burning appliances
• Plumbing and vulnerable pipes
• Garden hoses removed from exterior taps
• Exterior water lines winterized where applicable
• Windows and doors
• Steps, walkways, decks and railings
• Snow and ice removal arrangements
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Exterior storm hazards
• Tenants contacted and outstanding issues discussed
• Vacant properties or units inspected
• Landlord insurance reviewed
• Photos and maintenance records updated

The Bottom Line: A Little Work in the Fall Can Prevent Bigger Problems in the Winter

You cannot prevent every loss.

But many of the problems landlords face during an Atlantic Canadian winter start with something that could have been identified earlier.

A small leak.

A loose railing.

An aging roof.

A heating system that needs servicing.

A blocked gutter.

A garden hose left connected to an exterior tap.

An unclear snow-clearing arrangement.

Or a maintenance concern a tenant has noticed but has not yet mentioned.

Fall gives landlords an opportunity to find those issues while there is still time to deal with them.

A little preparation now can help protect the property, reduce liability risks, keep tenants safer and avoid much larger headaches when winter arrives.

Protect Your Rental Property With Local Insurance Experts at Munn Insurance

Good maintenance and the right insurance work together to help protect your rental property.

Munn Insurance’s local insurance experts work with landlords throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. Whether you own one rental property or a growing portfolio, we can help you understand your insurance options and find coverage that fits your property.

Get a landlord insurance quote today.

Visit: munninsurance.com/landlord-insurance-program/

Call: 1-855-726-8627

Protect the property. Protect the income. Protect the investment.