Spring isn’t just for cleaning out closets — it’s the best time of year to give your investment properties a refresh. A little bit of proactive maintenance now can prevent major headaches (and costs) down the road. Whether you self-manage or have a property manager in place, here’s a solid checklist of what every property owner should be focusing on this season.

🌿 Landscaping: First Impressions Matter

Your property's curb appeal sets the tone before a prospective tenant ever steps inside.
Here’s what to look at:

• Clear debris from lawns and garden beds — winter leaves and trash have a way of hiding until the snow melts.

• Trim shrubs and trees, especially near the house or walkways. Overgrowth can damage siding, block windows, or pose a safety issue.

• Edge walkways and mulch beds to give the property a clean, intentional look.

• Test irrigation systems — nothing worse than discovering a busted sprinkler when it’s too late.
  

Pro tip: A small landscaping touch-up can increase perceived value without touching the rent.

❄️ HVAC Checkups: Beat the Summer Rush

Tenants don’t call you when the AC works. They call when it’s 95 degrees and the AC doesn’t work.

Schedule routine HVAC servicing now, before contractors get swamped in June. You’ll want:

• Filters replaced

• Condensers cleaned

• Thermostats tested

• Freon levels checked (if applicable)
  

A pre-season tune-up is way cheaper than an emergency call on a Sunday afternoon.

🌧 Gutters & Drainage: Prevent Water Damage

Clogged gutters don’t just look bad — they’re silent property killers. Overflowing water can lead to:

• Foundation cracks

• Basement flooding

• Rotting fascia boards
  

Check for clogs, tighten loose sections, and make sure downspouts drain away from the building. If water isn’t flowing where it should, fix it before it becomes a bigger (more expensive) issue.

🐜 Pest Control: Stop It Before It Starts

Spring is when bugs and critters come back in full force. Whether it’s ants in the kitchen or squirrels in the attic, an early pest plan can save your sanity (and your tenants’).

Here’s what we recommend:

• Inspect for gaps around windows, doors, vents, and siding.

• Seal up entry points — especially around utility connections.

• Have a preventative pest treatment done — don’t wait for complaints.

• Make sure trash bins are secured and far from entryways.
  

Tenants don’t like surprise guests, and you won’t like the reviews if pests move in.

🛠 Bonus Round: Other Smart Spring To-Dos

• Test smoke & CO detectors — change batteries while you’re at it.

• Inspect exterior paint & siding — catch peeling or damage early.

• Power wash siding and walkways — it makes a huge difference in appearance.

• Check for loose railings, steps, or trip hazards — liability is no joke.

Let’s Be Real… It’s a Lot

Most owners don’t have time to inspect gutters, test HVAC, supervise landscaping, and schedule pest control — especially if you own more than one property. That’s where professional property management earns its keep.

At Ironclad, we’re already coordinating spring maintenance across all the properties we manage, making sure everything runs smoothly before it becomes an emergency. If you’re tired of playing handyman, scheduler, and project manager — let’s talk.