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Fall has officially arrived in Charleston.
The pumpkins are appearing on front porches. Pumpkin spice has returned to coffee shops. Someone, somewhere, has probably already put on a sweater.
Meanwhile, it's 84 degrees outside.
Welcome to fall in the Lowcountry.
While Charleston's version of autumn may not involve snow tires or preparing for a deep freeze, the change of seasons is still an important time for rental property owners to take care of a few maintenance items.
After months of heat, humidity, heavy rain and hardworking air conditioners—and with hurricane season still very much in progress—early fall is an excellent time to check in on your investment property.
Here are eight things Charleston rental properties may need this fall, preferably before temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling 68 degrees.
1. Give Your Rental Property's HVAC a Little TLC
Fall is a good time to check HVAC filters, review system performance and address any concerns that developed during Charleston's long cooling season.
Your HVAC system has been through some things.
From late spring through September, Charleston air conditioners work approximately 47 months without a vacation.
Okay, perhaps not literally.
But after months of continuous use, fall is a good opportunity to make sure the system is operating properly.
Residents should be changing filters as required by their lease, and any unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, excessive cycling or other performance concerns should be addressed rather than ignored.
It's also worth remembering that eventually someone will switch the thermostat from COOL to HEAT.
Maybe not today.
Maybe not tomorrow.
But one chilly November morning when the temperature reaches 59 degrees, Charleston will collectively decide winter has arrived.
It's better to know the heat works before then.
2. Check Gutters and Exterior Drainage
Keeping gutters, downspouts and drainage areas clear can help direct water away from a rental property and reduce the risk of water-related problems.
Charleston gets plenty of rain, and fall doesn't mean we're finished with tropical weather.
Leaves, pine needles and other debris can collect in gutters and around drainage areas, preventing water from moving away from the home properly.
Property owners should pay attention to:
Gutters and downspouts
Areas where water pools near the foundation
Yard drains
Exterior grading
Debris around drainage paths
Signs of erosion
Water is remarkably persistent.
If it can't go where it's supposed to go, it tends to find somewhere else.
Usually somewhere expensive.
3. Check the Roof for Storm and Water Damage
Fall is a useful time to check for visible roof concerns, particularly after summer thunderstorms and before the end of hurricane season.
We're not suggesting anyone grab a ladder and casually wander around the roof.
Please don't.
But visible concerns such as missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, damaged gutters or signs of interior water intrusion shouldn't be ignored.
Small roofing problems have an unfortunate tendency to introduce themselves during heavy rain.
And by “introduce themselves,” we mean through the ceiling.
If there is a known roof concern, addressing it while the weather is cooperative is usually preferable to discovering it during the next major storm.
4. Give the Exterior a Fall Once-Over
A seasonal exterior check can help identify small maintenance concerns involving siding, trim, fencing, landscaping, caulking and other exterior components.
You'd be surprised how much you can learn by simply walking around a property.
Look for things that have changed since the last evaluation.
Is there damaged siding?
Loose trim?
A fence beginning to lean?
Vegetation growing against the house?
Tree limbs getting a little too comfortable near the roof?
Exterior caulking that has deteriorated?
These aren't necessarily emergencies.
But catching small issues early gives an owner the opportunity to address them before they become larger repairs.
As we've said before, maintenance rarely becomes less expensive simply because everyone agrees not to look at it.
5. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be maintained according to applicable requirements and manufacturer recommendations, and reported problems should be addressed promptly.
Safety equipment deserves attention year-round, not just in the fall.
Residents should report chirping, damaged or malfunctioning alarms rather than removing batteries or disabling devices.
And yes, we know.
There are few sounds on Earth more capable of finding the exact center of the human brain than a smoke detector chirping at 2:13 a.m.
The solution is still not to remove it from the ceiling and place it in a kitchen drawer.
Fall is a good seasonal reminder to make sure safety equipment is where it belongs and functioning as intended.
6. Tackle Fall Landscaping and Tree Maintenance
Fall landscaping maintenance can protect a rental property's exterior, improve curb appeal and reduce problems caused by overgrown vegetation or fallen debris.
Charleston landscaping doesn't exactly shut down for the winter.
Grass, shrubs and trees may slow down, but property owners should still pay attention to overgrowth, dead limbs and vegetation touching the home.
Tree limbs near roofs or structures may need evaluation, particularly after storm season.
Shrubs should not block HVAC equipment or grow tightly against siding.
Leaves and debris shouldn't be allowed to accumulate in areas where they interfere with drainage.
And keeping the exterior reasonably tidy has another benefit:
The property looks cared for.
That matters to residents, neighbors and future renters.
7. Check Doors, Windows and Weather Seals
Checking doors, windows and weather stripping can help identify gaps, damaged seals and other issues that affect comfort and energy efficiency.
Remember all that air conditioning you paid for this summer?
Ideally, we'd like to keep conditioned air inside the house.
Fall is a good time to notice doors that aren't closing properly, deteriorated weather stripping, damaged caulking or windows with obvious sealing issues.
These concerns may seem small, but they can affect energy efficiency and resident comfort.
And when cooler temperatures finally arrive, nobody wants to discover that the front door provides enough ventilation for a small barn.
8. Get Ahead of Rental Property Maintenance Before the Holidays
Taking care of routine rental property maintenance in early fall can help owners avoid carrying known issues into the holidays and colder months.
October becomes November surprisingly quickly.
Then Thanksgiving arrives.
Then December.
Then everyone is trying to coordinate maintenance schedules around travel, holidays, vendor availability and residents who have family visiting.
If there are known maintenance concerns, fall is a good time to address them.
Review outstanding work orders.
Follow up on incomplete repairs.
Consider any preventative maintenance that has been recommended.
Look at upcoming lease dates.
Make sure there aren't lingering property concerns that everyone has been meaning to “circle back to.”
Future You will appreciate it.
Future Property Manager will, too.
What Fall Maintenance Does a Charleston Rental Property Really Need?
Not every rental property needs every item on this list.
A newer home may have very different maintenance needs from an older Charleston property. A downtown home, suburban single-family property and coastal rental may also face different environmental conditions.
The goal isn't to manufacture a giant fall maintenance bill.
It's to look for the small things while they're still small.
Seasonal maintenance gives property owners and managers an opportunity to identify concerns, plan repairs and protect the property's condition rather than simply waiting for something to fail.
That's good property management in October, January or the middle of July.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Rental Property Maintenance in Charleston
When should I prepare my Charleston rental property for fall?
Early fall is a good time to review seasonal maintenance needs. In Charleston, September and October are particularly useful because air-conditioning systems have been working heavily throughout the summer while hurricane season is still underway.
Do rental properties in Charleston need winterization?
Charleston generally experiences mild winters, but rental properties can still benefit from seasonal preparation. HVAC performance, exterior plumbing, weather seals and other cold-weather concerns should be considered before colder temperatures arrive. Property needs can vary based on the home and weather conditions.
Who is responsible for changing HVAC filters in a rental property?
Responsibility depends on the lease agreement and property management procedures. The lease should clearly explain whether filter replacement is handled by the resident, property owner or management company.
Should rental property gutters be cleaned every fall?
The appropriate cleaning schedule depends on the property and surrounding vegetation. Homes with significant tree coverage may require more frequent gutter maintenance than properties with few nearby trees.
Why are seasonal property evaluations important?
Seasonal evaluations can help identify maintenance concerns, document property condition and catch potential problems before they cause more significant damage. They also give property managers an opportunity to look at the property proactively rather than waiting for a resident to report a problem.
Fall Maintenance Is Really About Protecting the Investment
Owning a rental property doesn't mean waiting for something to break and then figuring out who to call.
Good property maintenance is proactive.
It's noticing the loose gutter before the next storm.
It's addressing the HVAC concern before the first cold morning.
It's clearing the drainage area before another Charleston downpour.
It's handling the little things before they become big things.
At Sloane Realty, that's part of how we approach professional property management: protect the property, communicate with residents and owners, and address concerns before they have an opportunity to become significantly more expensive.
So enjoy fall in Charleston.
Put out the pumpkins.
Order the pumpkin spice latte.
Maybe even wear the sweater if you're feeling particularly optimistic.
Just keep the air conditioner on standby.
It's probably going to be 82 again tomorrow.