Introduction
After a bitter cold snap with temps dipping into the single digits, many landlords are breathing a sigh of relief as things begin to warm back up. But don’t let your guard down just yet—post-freeze damage and tenant concerns can surface days or even weeks later.
Whether you manage a single-family rental or a multi-unit property, taking quick, proactive steps after extreme winter weather is key to protecting your investment and keeping tenants happy. Here's what Rent Depot recommends doing now to recover from the cold and prepare for the rest of the winter.
🔧 1. Inspect for Freeze-Related Damage
Even if tenants didn’t report issues during the cold snap, that doesn’t mean everything is fine. Pipes, roofing, HVAC, and exterior materials all take a beating in extreme cold.
What to check:
Exposed plumbing: Look for bulging or cracked pipes, especially in crawl spaces, basements, or garages.
Roof and gutters: Check for ice dam buildup or shingle damage from heavy snow or freezing rain.
Windows and seals: Inspect for drafts, condensation, or broken weather stripping.
Exterior walkways: Make sure melted snow hasn’t left icy patches or trip hazards.
👉 Pro Tip: Rent Depot schedules post-freeze property walks to identify issues before they become expensive repairs.
🔥 2. Follow Up on Heating System Performance
Your HVAC system just worked overtime. Now’s a good time to:
Replace filters
Clear vents and ducts
Ensure thermostats are accurate
Check for strange noises or inefficiencies
If any units were close to failure during the cold spell, fix or replace them now—before the next storm hits.
🚿 3. Communicate With Tenants About What to Watch For
Tenants may not realize they’ve had a slow leak or frozen pipe that didn’t fully burst—yet. Help them stay alert:
Send a checklist of what to look for (e.g., wet drywall, unusual odors, inconsistent heat)
Remind them to leave cabinets open during the next cold front
Ask them to report any abnormalities early to prevent costly damage
💬 At Rent Depot, our communication systems ensure residents know what to expect—and when to call for help.
🧰 4. Restock & Re-Prep for Future Storms
Cold snaps rarely happen in isolation. Prepare now while there’s a weather break:
Restock ice melt, salt, and snow removal tools
Test sump pumps and basement dehumidifiers
Line up snow removal vendors in advance if you had delays last time
Being proactive now saves time and money later.
📈 5. Review Your Winter Emergency Plan
How did your team (or you) perform during the freeze? What worked well—and what didn’t?
Ask yourself:
Were tenants notified and supported fast enough?
Were you overwhelmed with calls or vendor coordination?
Did any tech or systems fail during the storm?
👉 If winter management is eating your time and energy, Rent Depot can step in with systems already built for cold-weather response.
🔚 Conclusion: A Little Winter Recovery Goes a Long Way
The deep freeze may have passed, but your job as a landlord isn’t done. Use this window of warmer weather to inspect, follow up, and prep for what’s ahead. Protecting your properties now could save you thousands later—and keeping tenants comfortable and informed goes a long way toward lease renewals.
Need help staying ahead of winter weather and mid-season maintenance?
Rent Depot offers full-service property management that handles the stress—so you don’t have to.
👉 Contact us today for a winter performance review and customized management plan.
