Time To Get Out the Heavy Blankets
For those of us who live in the Midwest or Northern states, we’re probably spending as much time as possible outside enjoying the last few stretches of good weather before winter arrives. We know we are! But as the leaves begin to change, that also means snow and ice are just around the corner—and winter weather can have a significant impact on your rental property.
At least in Indiana. Even in warmer climates the season we are headed into soon is called winter. In moderate to cool climates winter can cause a lot of damage if a heavy blanket is not available to keep people, and possessions, warm.
At WILMOTH Group, we have established snow and ice removal policies designed to help protect your property, tenants, prospective tenants, vendors, the public, and our team members from potential winter-weather hazards. Because every winter is different and weather conditions can change quickly, we want to make sure you understand how snow and ice removal is handled and why you may see these services appear on your property ledger.
If your rental property is currently vacant, it is in your best interests to have it winterized. Even if it is on the market to be leased! We are starting to schedule winterizations even though the coolest evenings right now are above freezing. It won't be long, and nighttime will be freezing time.
Winterization
Winterization is a cost of owning a rental property in many climates. It should be a part of your budgeting if it is not already. Winterization prices vary based on the number of plumbing fixtures involved.
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 typically starts at $180.
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 (starting at $130). 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 30, 2026. Otherwise, the vendor will begin completing the winterizations.
The need for winterization will continue through March. Even if it seems winter is over! Just one night with a hard freeze can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. Peanuts compared to the cost of winterization.
Irrigation Systems
Don’t Forget to Winterize Your Irrigation System!
If your rental property has an irrigation or sprinkler system, proper winterization is an important step in preparing the property for freezing temperatures.
Water left inside irrigation lines, valves, backflow preventers, and other components can freeze and expand, potentially causing costly damage to the system. A proper winterization helps protect the system and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs when spring arrives.
Is Your Property Equipped With Irrigation?
If your property has an irrigation system, please contact our team to let us know that it needs to be winterized. Unlike some of our other seasonal services, irrigation winterization is not an automatic service.
Our team will coordinate the appropriate service and ensure the system is properly prepared for the upcoming freezing temperatures.
Don't Wait Until the First Freeze!
Winter weather can arrive quickly in the Midwest, and scheduling availability for irrigation companies can become limited as temperatures drop. We recommend reaching out before freezing temperatures arrive to give our team and the vendor enough time to complete the winterization.
Have an irrigation system at your property? Don't forget to email us at repairs@wilmothgroup.com to request winterization!
Snow and Ice Removal
Single-Family Homes & Duplexes
While the property is vacant:
Snow removal will be completed after every 2 inches of snowfall, and ice will be treated as necessary.
Once the property is occupied:
Responsibility for maintaining the property's sidewalks and driveway will transfer to the tenant, in accordance with the terms of their lease.
Triplexes & Multi-Family Properties
For triplexes and other multi-family properties, snow and ice removal is handled throughout the winter season, regardless of occupancy.
Snow will be removed after every 2 inches of snowfall.
When freezing conditions are expected, we will proactively apply salt or other ice-melt products when appropriate to help prevent hazardous conditions. Applicable parking lots and common areas will be cleared as needed to help ensure tenants can safely access their vehicles and the property.
What Does This Mean for Owners?
Snow and ice removal is a proactive property-management service and, when applicable, will be automatically coordinated by our team—similar to our winterization process. You do not need to contact us each time winter weather is expected.
Our goal is to address winter hazards promptly, protect the people accessing your property, and help minimize the risk of damage or liability during the winter months.
If you have any questions about our snow and ice removal policies or how these services apply to your property, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're happy to help!
This week we are offering some information on winterizations. We hope you find it informative.
Stay Warm!
WILMOTH Team | 
