A Seasonal Maintenance Calendar for DMV Rental Properties

The Washington region puts buildings through a lot: humid summers, freeze-thaw winters, heavy spring rain and a serious fall leaf drop. Preventive maintenance on a predictable schedule costs far less than emergency repairs, and it keeps residents happy.

Fall (September–November)

• Service the heating system before the first cold snap and replace filters
• Clean gutters and downspouts after the leaves drop. Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of water intrusion and basement leaks in DC row houses.
• Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior spigots to prevent frozen pipes
• Seal gaps around windows, doors and utility penetrations
• Test smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries
• Inspect the roof and chimney, especially on older row houses with flat or low-slope roofs

Winter (December–February)

• Have a snow and ice plan in place for walkways, stairs and parking areas
• Watch for frozen pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces and vacant units. Keep vacant units heated.
• Check for ice dams and roof leaks after storms
• Remind residents how to report heating problems after hours. In DC and Maryland, loss of heat in winter is an emergency.

Spring (March–May)

• Walk the exterior for winter damage: cracked masonry, loose railings, damaged siding and lifted pavers
• Service the A/C before the first hot week, when HVAC companies get booked up
• Check grading and drainage so spring rain flows away from foundations
• Clean gutters again, since spring seeds and pollen clog them too
• Schedule pest prevention, because termites and ants become active as soil warms

Summer (June–August)

• Change HVAC filters monthly during heavy cooling use
• Control humidity in basements to prevent mold, using dehumidifiers where needed
• Trim trees and shrubs away from roofs, siding and wires before storm season
• Inspect and treat decks and exterior wood
• Plan turnovers, since summer is peak moving season in the DMV

Year-round