Fall Maintenance Checklist for STR Properties: Pre-Winter Prep

Fall is the critical transition period for STR properties. The work you do in September and October determines whether your property sails through winter smoothly or becomes an emergency management headache. Deferred fall maintenance leads to frozen pipes, heating failures, water damage, and unhappy guests at the worst possible time.

This comprehensive checklist covers everything needed to prepare your short-term rental for winter, organized by system and priority. Complete these tasks before the first freeze, and you will enter the winter season with confidence.

Fall Maintenance Timeline

HVAC System Maintenance

Your heating system will work constantly through winter. A mid-season failure means emergency service calls, potential property damage, refunded guests, and terrible reviews. Fall maintenance prevents these scenarios.

Professional Heating Service

Schedule professional HVAC maintenance in September or early October. A thorough service visit should include:

• Heat Exchanger Inspection: Check for cracks that can leak carbon monoxide - a safety critical inspection.
• Burner Cleaning and Adjustment: Dirty or misaligned burners reduce efficiency and can cause ignition problems.
• Electrical Connection Check: Inspect wiring, contactors, and control boards for wear.
• Blower Motor Service: Clean blower wheel and check motor bearings and belt condition.
• Filter Replacement: Install fresh filter and leave extras for the season.
• Safety Control Testing: Verify limit switches, flame sensors, and safety controls operate correctly.
• Carbon Monoxide Testing: Check combustion gases and flue operation.
• Thermostat Calibration: Verify accurate temperature reading and proper communication with system.

DIY Heating Preparation

• Run the Heat: Before cold weather forces you to, turn on the heat and run it for 30+ minutes. Note any unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues.
• Check All Vents: Walk through the property ensuring all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed.
• Inspect Flue and Chimney: For gas furnaces, visually check the flue pipe for disconnections or damage.
• Clear Outdoor Units: Remove debris from around heat pumps or outdoor components.
• Stock Filters: Buy enough filters for the entire heating season. Plan on monthly changes during heavy use.

Gutter and Roof Maintenance

Clogged gutters cause ice dams, fascia damage, foundation problems, and roof leaks. Fall cleaning is essential, but timing matters - clean after most leaves have fallen but before winter precipitation begins.

Gutter Cleaning and Inspection

• Remove All Debris: Clear leaves, twigs, and accumulated material from gutters and downspouts.
• Flush with Water: Run water through the system to verify proper flow and identify clogs.
• Check Downspout Extensions: Ensure water is directed at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation.
• Inspect Gutter Condition: Look for sagging, rust, loose fasteners, or separation at seams.
• Consider Gutter Guards: For heavily-treed properties, guards can reduce but not eliminate cleaning needs.

Roof Inspection

• Visual Inspection: From the ground with binoculars, look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles.
• Flashing Check: Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for separation or damage.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Remove branches that could fall on the roof during ice storms.
• Check Attic: Look for daylight penetration, water stains, or signs of previous leaks.

Exterior Plumbing and Water Systems

Freezing pipes cause more property damage than almost any other winter issue. Protect exterior plumbing and prepare indoor systems for cold weather.

Outdoor Water Protection

• Disconnect Garden Hoses: Remove all hoses from spigots. Even frost-free hose bibs can freeze if hoses are attached.
• Shut Off Exterior Water: Locate interior shutoffs for outdoor faucets. Turn off supply and open outdoor valves to drain.
• Install Faucet Covers: Place insulated covers on all exterior hose bibs.
• Winterize Irrigation: Have irrigation system professionally blown out with compressed air.
• Pool/Hot Tub Winterization: Follow manufacturer procedures or hire professionals for seasonal closing.

Indoor Pipe Protection

• Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Add insulation to pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls.
• Check Pipe Heating Cables: If installed, verify heat tape is functioning properly.
• Know Your Shutoff: Locate and label the main water shutoff. Ensure property managers and co-hosts know its location.
• Install Leak Sensors: Place smart water sensors near water heaters, under sinks, and by washing machines.

Weatherproofing and Insulation

Air leaks and inadequate insulation increase heating costs and create uncomfortable cold spots. Fall is the ideal time to address these issues.

Door and Window Sealing

• Inspect Weatherstripping: Check all exterior doors for gaps. Replace worn or compressed weatherstripping.
• Test for Drafts: On a windy day, feel around windows and doors for air infiltration.
• Caulk Gaps: Apply fresh caulk around window frames and door trim where gaps exist.
• Window Film: For older single-pane windows, consider insulating film to reduce heat loss.
• Door Sweeps: Ensure door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors are intact and making contact.

Attic and Crawl Space

• Check Attic Insulation: Insulation should be at least 10-14 inches of fiberglass or equivalent. Add if deficient.
• Seal Attic Penetrations: Caulk or foam around wiring, plumbing, and ductwork penetrations.
• Crawl Space Vents: Close or cover foundation vents for winter (reopen in spring).
• Vapor Barrier: Ensure crawl space vapor barrier is intact to prevent moisture issues.

Fireplace and Chimney

If your STR has a fireplace, proper preparation ensures safe operation and guest enjoyment of this sought-after amenity.

Professional Chimney Service

• Annual Inspection: Have the chimney inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep.
• Cleaning: Clean chimneys annually if regularly used, or every 2-3 years for occasional use.
• Damper Check: Verify damper opens and closes fully and seals properly.
• Cap and Spark Arrestor: Ensure chimney cap is secure and spark arrestor screen is intact.

Fireplace Preparation

• Stock Firewood: If providing wood for guests, stock seasoned hardwood in a dry location.
• Fire Tools: Ensure poker, brush, and shovel are present and in good condition.
• Glass Doors: Clean fireplace glass and verify door operation.
• Instructions: Create clear fireplace operating instructions for guests.
• CO Detector: Test carbon monoxide detectors near the fireplace.

Safety Equipment Check

Fall is an excellent time to verify all safety equipment is functional and compliant.

Smoke and CO Detectors

• Test All Units: Push test buttons to verify alarm function.
• Replace Batteries: Install fresh batteries in all units, even if current batteries test okay.
• Check Dates: Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, CO detectors every 5-7 years.
• Verify Coverage: Ensure detectors in all required locations per local codes.

Fire Safety

• Fire Extinguishers: Check pressure gauges and expiration dates. Replace or service as needed.
• Emergency Information: Update posted emergency numbers and exit routes.
• Space Heater Safety: If providing portable heaters, ensure they have tip-over and overheat protection.

Outdoor and Landscaping

Prepare outdoor spaces for winter storage and protect landscaping from cold damage.

Outdoor Furniture and Amenities

• Clean and Store: Clean patio furniture and store in protected location or use quality covers.
• Cushions: Remove and store cushions indoors to prevent mold and weathering.
• Umbrellas: Close, clean, and store umbrellas to prevent wind damage.
• Grills: Clean thoroughly and cover. Consider bringing propane tanks inside for extremely cold climates.
• Fire Pits: Cover or store fire pits and accessories.

Landscape Preparation

• Final Mowing: Cut grass slightly shorter for final fall mowing.
• Leaf Removal: Remove leaves from lawn to prevent dead patches.
• Perennial Care: Cut back perennials and remove dead annuals.
• Mulching: Apply winter mulch around sensitive plants.
• Tree Inspection: Remove dead branches that could fall during storms.

Guest Preparation Updates

Update your listing and guest communications to reflect fall and winter conditions.

Listing Updates

• Seasonal Photos: Consider adding fall foliage photos if attractive in your area.
• Amenity Changes: Update amenity lists if seasonal features (pool, outdoor dining) are closed.
• Winter Features: Highlight fireplaces, hot tubs, ski access, and cozy indoor amenities.

Guest Communication Updates

• Welcome Guide: Add winter-specific information (thermostat guidance, fireplace instructions, local winter activities).
• Driving Tips: For mountain or northern properties, include winter driving safety information.
• Emergency Contacts: Ensure guests know how to reach you or your team for heating issues.