How to Prepare a Rental Property for Winter

Winter is when Toronto rental properties fail expensively. Nearly every classic winter disaster — burst pipes, ice dams, furnace failures — is preventable with an hour of attention in the fall.

Before the cold arrives

• Service the heating system and replace filters
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs
• Clear gutters so meltwater drains instead of freezing
• Check weatherstripping, caulking and attic insulation
• Confirm snow and ice service is arranged

Brief the tenant

Tenants prevent half of winter damage when they know three things: keep the heat at a reasonable minimum, report any loss of heat immediately, and know where the main water shutoff is. Put it in writing at move-in and repeat it each fall.

For vacant properties, winter checks become essential — an empty house with a failed furnace is a burst pipe waiting for a thaw. Our vacant property program includes winter checks, heating verification and storm-damage checks.