Prepare Your Rentals for Winter
At WILMOTH we are recommending additional services to protect your properties from the harshness of an Indiana winter.
Gutter Cleaning
Fallen leaves can cause harm to your home. As leaves and other debris accumulate in gutters, they can hold moisture and cause gutters to sag, fall off homes, or cause water intrusions into the home.
If those leaves are not removed there can be damage on the ground, and particularly on roofs. When the leaves accumulate in gutters, they will become wet and heavy. They get even heavier and more solid as freezing temps set in. As leaves and other debris accumulate in gutters, they will hold moisture and cause gutters to sag, fall off homes, or cause water intrusions into the home.
Please take a few minutes to read the article below about the importance of gutter maintenance this time of year.
If WILMOTH is your property manager, we can provide gutter cleaning. Tenants living in properties that have more than three units or that are 2-story, do not carry this responsibility. On vacant properties, buildings with three units or more, and two-story properties, the owner needs to make arrangements to have the gutters cleaned. Tenants in single story homes, as well as single story duplexes, are obligated to clean their gutters but often do not do a great job. So, if you want to really take care of your property, consider using our services for single story properties and any multi-family.
If you want the gutters to be cleaned at your properties, please do not delay and email: owners@wilmothgroup.com, with the subject of the email “Clean My Gutters”. Please include the addresses of the properties where you wish to have the gutters cleaned. The cost for these services varies based on the size of the building, but a typical cost would be $150-$250 per property.
If you do not ask us to handle leaf removal, we will note that you are absorbing this risk to your property. We know many owners have this service contracted, no matter who the manager, so this year we are only asking you to contact us if you want us to handle.
Winterization
In order to prepare for the winter if you currently have a VACANT home or unit, we will be winterizing the plumbing within the next 30 days to prevent the home's plumbing from freezing. The charge for this procedure is typically $150.
There will also be a de-winterization of the property once someone is accepted to move in and the plumbing is ready to be used (approximately $100). This expense is BELOW the threshold that requires approval so you will NOT be receiving an approval request. You will see this charge on your account as soon as the vendor completes the work.
If you absolutely do not want this done to your home, and you are willing to put in writing that you assume full liability for any damages to the home please notify us no later than October 21, 2025. Otherwise, the vendor will begin completing the winterizations.
HVAC-Heating System Tune-Ups
Another good practice is to have the HVAC systems tuned up and cleaned heading into the cold season. With a solid five months of cold weather coming, heating systems will be used frequently. Tuning them up can prevent unnecessary stress on the system. The estimated cost for most systems will be $125 to $150 including a new filter for the tune-up.
If you are interested in getting your HVAC system tuned up, please email : owners@wilmothgroup.com with the subject “Tune Up My HVAC System”, and we will have our vendor get this done for you. Please ensure to include the addresses of the properties where you wish for us to have this completed.
Preventative Maintenance Saves $
Investing in your properties by ensuring these three important services are addressed is essential to keeping your costs down. At WILMOTH, time and again, the rental owners with the lowest maintenance expenses are the ones who invest in preventive maintenance such as these important winter preparation items.
As always, your partnership and business are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
WILMOTH Team
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