The first hard freeze usually arrives sooner than owners expect. A little preparation in October prevents the calls nobody wants in January: no heat, a burst pipe or an icy walkway. Use this checklist to get ahead of winter.
Heating first
- Have the furnace or boiler serviced before the first cold snap, and replace filters.
- Test thermostats and vents in every unit.
- Know your plan if heating fails, including who to call and how fast they can attend.
Heat is a vital service. In Ontario, a landlord must not shut off or interfere with a vital service such as heat, except temporarily when it is necessary to make repairs. Many municipalities also have by-laws setting minimum indoor temperatures, so check the rules where you own.
Protect the plumbing
- Insulate exposed pipes, especially in garages, crawl spaces and exterior walls.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor taps.
- Keep the heat on in vacant units so pipes do not freeze.
- Make sure tenants know where the main water shut-off is.
Snow and ice
Decide in advance who clears snow and salts walkways, and write it into the lease. If you rely on a contractor, book early, because the best companies fill up quickly. Stock salt before it is needed, and check that shovels and snow equipment are working.
Safety checks
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Furnace season is also carbon monoxide season.
- Remind tenants to use space heaters, candles and fireplaces safely.
- Check that entrances have mats to keep water and salt off the flooring.
Have an emergency plan
Give every tenant a simple one-page sheet: the emergency number, how to report a problem and what to do if the heat goes out or a pipe bursts. Tenants of the properties we manage can use our online maintenance request and our 24/7 emergency line, with a two-hour response for emergencies.
More winter reading: our insider fall maintenance checklist, the guide to window condensation, and the full seasonal checklist.
Want a team to handle this for you? Book a free consultation or contact us.
