Preparing Your Investment Property for Fall: Maintenance & Legislative Compliance in BC

As summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s a good time for property owners to take a closer look at their investment properties. On Vancouver Island, the change in seasons also means wetter weather, cooler temperatures and a few maintenance jobs that are easier to deal with before they become bigger problems.

Fall is also a good opportunity to make sure you’re up to date with your responsibilities as a landlord, including important requirements under BC’s Residential Tenancy Act.

Whether you own a condo in Victoria, a house in Sooke or a rental property in the Cowichan Valley, a little preparation now can help prevent unexpected repairs and headaches later in the year.

1. Get the Exterior Ready for the Rain

We all know how quickly the weather can change on Vancouver Island. Once the heavy rain starts, small issues with your roof, gutters or drainage can turn into much bigger problems.

Check your gutters and downspouts. Leaves and debris can build up quickly in the fall, causing water to overflow and collect around the property. Make sure gutters are clear and that downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.

Take a look at the roof. You don’t necessarily need a full roof inspection every fall, but it’s worth checking for damaged or missing shingles, loose flashing and any obvious areas where water could get in.

Trim back trees and branches. Branches hanging over the roof, driveway or walkways can become a problem during windy weather. Taking care of them before the fall storms arrive can help prevent damage.

2. Make Sure the Heating System Is Ready

Heating systems can sit relatively unused throughout the summer, so fall is the perfect time to make sure everything is working properly before tenants need it.

For properties with furnaces or heat pumps, check filters and arrange servicing if needed. It’s much easier to deal with a heating issue in September than when a tenant calls on the first cold night of November.

If the property has a fireplace, wood stove or other heating appliance, make sure it receives the appropriate maintenance and inspection.

It’s also a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries where required. Keeping these systems in good working order is an important part of maintaining a safe rental property.

3. Stay on Top of BC Tenancy Requirements

Property maintenance is only one part of preparing for fall. Landlords also need to make sure they’re following the rules that apply to their rental property.

If you’re planning a rent increase, for example, there are specific requirements around the amount of notice that must be provided and the form that must be used. BC’s annual allowable rent increase also changes from year to year, so it’s important to check the current guidelines before serving a notice.

The same goes for entering a rental property. Except in an emergency or in other circumstances permitted by the Residential Tenancy Act, landlords generally need to provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering.

Keeping good records and using the proper RTB forms can make a big difference if questions or disputes come up later.

4. Keep Communication Open With Tenants

Fall maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated, and tenants can play an important role in helping identify issues early.

A quick reminder to tenants at the beginning of the season can encourage them to report small problems before they become expensive repairs. Things like a dripping faucet, a draft around a window or an unusual noise from the heating system are much easier to address when they’re caught early.

It can also be helpful to remind tenants about:

• Keeping vents and registers clear
• Using bathroom fans and proper ventilation to reduce condensation
• Reporting leaks or plumbing issues as soon as they notice them
• Knowing where the main water shut-off is located in case of an emergency
• Reporting heating problems before temperatures drop significantly

Good communication helps everyone. Tenants know what to look out for, and property owners have a better chance of dealing with problems before they become major repairs.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Owning a rental property comes with plenty to keep track of, from regular maintenance and tenant communication to staying current with changing BC tenancy requirements.

Getting ahead of the seasonal maintenance now can help protect your investment and make the transition into fall much smoother.

At Pemberton Holmes Property Management, our local property management teams help property owners across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island stay on top of the day-to-day details of owning a rental property. From maintenance coordination and tenant communication to rent collection and compliance, we’re here to help make property ownership easier.

Thinking about having your rental property professionally managed? Contact our Property Management Team to learn more or request a complimentary rental appraisal.