Pub. 1 2016 Issue 1

23 ISSUE 1 2016 䌀吀䄀䄀 吀䠀䔀䌀伀一一䔀䌀吀䤀䌀唀吀䄀倀䄀刀吀䴀䔀一吀䄀匀匀伀䌀䤀䄀吀䤀伀一  about keeping records, and expect a site visit so the provider can become familiar with the community, identify problem areas that need to be xed, and determine where snow is to be placed so it doesn’t create a safety hazard for residentcompls. Realize that you have to give the provider choices as well as responsi- bility and risk when it comes to snow removal. It’s not fair to short a provider on what is to be done and then expect that same provider to be responsible when someone gets hurt because what you authorized wasn’t adequate. In a situation where you hire a reputable service provider to remove snow, remember that timing matters. If you have a large bank of snow, for example, you might want to have the service provider dump some ice melt on it. However, the ice melt won’t work on snow; you have to have the area ploughed rst before putting down the ice melt. Snow removal is not the only issue to consider. To keep renters happy, prevent wear and tear, and avoid having to pay for emergency repairs and litigation, the best way to do that is through preventive maintenance. Here are some areas to focus on year-round: • Keep green areas pruned and clean. Trim trees before winter. • Inspect the roof. You do not want to deal with leaking or collapsing ceilings. • Clean the gutters so they are not clogged with debris. • Have chimneys inspected. • Look for peeling paint on exterior walls. Peeling and blistering is a sign that the paint is failing and that it is no longer protecting the siding on the building. • Take care of air conditioners. Vacuum internal parts. Outside boxes should be wrapped with a tarp or a cover. Window units should be removed. • Have oil or gas heaters serviced on a regular schedule (frequency will depend on what you have) and make sure HVAC lters get swapped out every 30 to 60 days. • Replace old water heaters and ush the ones that are staying. Flush out water heaters every couple of years. e cost is about $30, and it prevents mineral deposits from building up too much. 