Pub. 1 2016 Issue 6

22 www.ctaahq.org A s an apartment manager, you have a responsibility with the change of seasons to make sure that your tenants are safe and are enjoying living within the community you manage. In addition, you know your tenants will have additional visitors during the holiday season because that’s just part of what happens when the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop: people fight the cold and the dark by having dinners, parties, and events. That means potential liability if anyone gets hurt while on your property. What can you do to prepare for the months to come? Put Time into Maintenance Winter weather is more unpredictable than ever. Some parts of the country have been enjoying gentle winters, and others haven’t. Even if your winter ends up being a mild one, though, it’s still smart to get ready for winter. Check on the following throughout your complex: • Pest infestations: Anything alive that lives outside realizes the temperatures are dropping and might want to move into more sheltered circumstances. Think mice, for example, although you should be alert for other invaders as well. This is the time to make sure the invasion fails. • Ground maintenance: This is the time to fertilize to prevent spring weeds and damage to the lawn during the long winter months. Make sure leaves are raked, bushes are trimmed, and low-lying branches are pruned. Do you have any trees that need to be removed? What about having the gutters cleaned? Are the downspouts and outdoor drains in good working order? • Outdoor equipment: If you are responsible for any landscape maintenance, that means you have some tools to do the job. When the lawn goes dormant, it’s time to sharpen blades, cap fluids, and replace any power tools that have worn out. • Irrigation systems: You might want to have someone check it at the end of the season to make sure the sprinkler heads are in order. THE CHANGE OF SEASONS