Pub. 1 2016 Issue 6

23 ISSUE 6 2016 • Pools: For outdoor pools, now would be a good time to power-wash outdoor furniture and any cushions. Store everything that ought to be protected during the winter months so it won’t crack or fade. • Heaters and air filters: This is the time to make sure heaters are working correctly. It might be a good idea to have air filters changed on a regular basis, too. Do any of your apartments have chimneys? If necessary, hire a professional chimney sweep to make sure the flue works correctly and to clear out any debris. • Weatherproofing: Fix broken or cracked windows, and replace any caulking that needs it. Look at all the doors, too, to make sure the weather stripping is in good shape. Replace it if it isn’t. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 10 percent of the air that leaks out of homes is lost because of inadequate weather stripping. That air naturally goes out where leaving is easiest: through the windows and doors. If utilities are included at your complex, think about upgrading window treatments for better insulation as well. • Outdoor plumbing: Water valves and faucets can have leaks. Repair whatever needs fixing to prevent winter drips. • Indoor plumbing: Check kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Consider whether any pipes are likely to freeze, and if possible take the time to prevent that from happening. What about water heaters? Areas with hard water are likely to have sediment build up in the tank. Draining the tank and checking for rust is a good idea. Think, too, about upgrading water heaters so they are as energy efficient and cost effective as possible. Communicate with Your Tenants You already have a rough idea of what your tenants will be doing during the coming months. There are going to be Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinners, for example. You may even have some ideas in mind to organize some social activity on a community level. What do you want your tenants to know? Are there safety concerns or rules they ought to be thinking about? Do you need to let them know about what you’ve got planned? This is a great time to communicate with people. The communication can be as simple as a letter, but you can also send out a community-wide newsletter and have the same information online. That way you are communicating with everyone. Just make sure that when you communicate, you do it at least a week before any holiday or celebration so that people have a chance to read whatever information you give them. • If you allow tenants to have pets, be sure one of the things you talk about is being mindful of their pets anytime there’s likely to be a lot of traffic through the area. Animals can be scared or aggressive when they think their territory is being invaded. There are times when it’s best for animals to be confined, especially dogs, so they won’t defend home and family by attacking someone. Other animals, such as cats, might need to be confined because they will feel (and be) safer inside than out. • Talk to tenants about energy efficiency. If the apartments have fans and there’s a switch to reverse directions, let tenants know clockwise blade rotation will recirculate the warm air that has risen by sending it back down to where the people are. Encourage tenants to set the thermostat at an appropriate temperature, like 68 degrees Fahrenheit, as well. • Make sure your tenants know they should notify you right away whenever they see the need for maintenance and repairs. The sooner something is fixed, the better. Think about Light Now is a good time to take a walk and see what needs to be changed or improved when it comes to lighting a complex after dark. Is the existing lighting in good shape, or do you need to replace some bulbs and make repairs? Are there dark areas? Would it be better to add some solar lights, floodlights or motion sensors to what you already have? Should you install any temporary lighting? Tenants might be inclined to use candles at this time of year. Candles set a mood and can be fun, but they are also a risk. See whether you can encourage tenants to sometimes opt for battery-powered candles instead. Another option is to encourage the use of glow sticks. Clear Obstacles Sometimes you need to do a little preventive maintenance to make sure all walkways are clear. While you are at it, look for walkway cracks and loose pavers and arrange for any necessary repairs. People could definitely get hurt if they were to trip over a garbage can that was out of position or on a cluttered walkway. At Halloween, people might also be wearing masks that would make it harder for them to see where they are going. Do a little reconnaissance to make sure people can navigate the complex safety after dark.