Exterior Maintenance Checklist: A Renter’s Guide to Outdoor Property Care

When you rent a property, you’re responsible for keeping it tidy and damage-free, including the exterior. While the landlord handles most exterior maintenance, renters may be responsible for lawn care, gutter cleaning, and other routine maintenance in house rentals or townhomes. If you’re new to renting or maintaining a property, there are a few ways to keep the exterior of your new home free from damage or problems. 

Check for Damage

When you first get the keys to your new rental, you will have to check for damage. Usually, a landlord will provide a form for you to fill out to make sure you’re not blamed for any damage that occurred before you move in. Consider the exterior in this damage check, too. If there is any significant damage to the exterior of the home or apartment, be sure to take note of it. Pictures can come in handy for this, too.

Driveway or Parking Space

If the driveway or your designated parking spot has cracks or stains, let your landlord know so you are not blamed for the damage. Also, check any parking spot signs for damage.

Yard

The yard should be clean, clutter-free, and healthy. If there is significant litter, grass damage, or debris, take pictures and note this for the landlord.

Doors

Doors should be functional, free of damage, and locked properly. Check all exterior door locks, doorknobs, and doors for damage and function.

Windows

Windows can be broken, cracked, or scratched. Make sure you note any window damage from the exterior during your inspection.

Foundation

A home’s foundation adds stability to the structure and is a level base for the entire house. Damaged or cracked foundations can impact the home's structure, so it’s good to note any damage before you move in.

Walls

Look at all four sides of the home’s siding and exterior. Note any damage, stains, cracks, or problems with exterior walls.

Roof

While you may be unable to access the entire building’s roof, check for any obvious signs of damage or debris before moving in. Take photos if necessary. Leaks can be a sign of roof damage, so check for stains.

Outlets

Most home or apartment exteriors have outlets for plugging in security lights or systems. Ensure the outlets work, and inform your landlord if they don’t.

Water

If your home or apartment has an exterior water valve for connecting hoses, ensure it works. Also, note if it leaks or drips in the off position; if you’re responsible for paying the water bill, this leak can add up. 

Know Your Responsibilities

Most rental properties will cover landscaping, lawn care, irrigation, and other exterior maintenance. However, this is not always the case, especially if you’re renting a single-family home. Check your lease to make sure you know your responsibilities before moving in. Ignoring tasks like lawn care may result in lease violations.

Lawn Care

If tenants are supposed to provide lawn care, ensure it is adequately watered and mowed. Lawns should always be around two to three inches in length. Lawn trimmers will work for small patches of grass, but you’ll need a proper mower for larger yards. When looking for a lawn mower for sale, you’ll likely have a better time if it is cordless and doesn’t run on gas. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with a pesky cord and keeping a gas supply on hand.

Gutter Cleaning

Most landlords will handle gutter cleaning in apartments, but single-family home rentals may require a tenant to manage gutters during their stay. You can hire help for gutter cleaning if you’re unfamiliar with the process. You will typically need a ladder, hose, gloves, and a bucket for debris. You’ll rinse the gutters with the hose, preferably with a sprayer. You’ll also need to gather rooftop debris and place them in the bucket so they do not clog your gutter. Gutters are usually cleaned twice annually unless many trees closely surround your property..

Pests

If you are responsible for pest control, start with preventative sprays. Spray the interior and exterior perimeter of the home for prevention. If pests are prevalent, you may need to contact pest control services and your landlord for professional intervention. Even if you are not responsible for pest control on your property, it’s a good idea to apply preventative bug spray or pest deterrent before moving in to ensure a base level of protection. Keep trash and food off the lawn and in proper bins.

Supervise Your Pet

Pet urine can be particularly damaging to grass. Pet-friendly apartments or homes are prepared for this, but you can minimize damage by spraying grass with water after pets urinate. Additionally, they must be kept from further chewing up or damaging the exterior property under supervision.

Respect Shared Areas

With a few exceptions, most apartment rentals share outdoor spaces. Taking over common outdoor areas by being loud, overcrowded, or inconsiderate can result in lease violations. Additionally, your neighbors may grow to dislike you. Damaging any exterior area in your apartment is expensive, too.

Trim Excess Plant Growth

If landscaping grows too much, it can damage the home’s exterior, attract pests, and make it challenging to use walkways. Trim bushes and plants that grow too long to keep the space clean and functional.

Keep Pathways Clear

Whether public or private, make sure your pathways aren’t obstructed. Clutter on your paths can make it hard for you, your landlord, or service technicians to access the property. Additionally, clutter can damage grass or plants.

Maintain Grass Health

Pet urine, heavy objects, foot traffic, and dehydration can harm your yard’s grass. Even if you aren’t responsible for grass maintenance, you can do your part by ensuring your pets urinate in appropriate areas and using sidewalks when applicable. Don’t place heavy objects on the grass and leave them there; it can kill the grass!

Conclusion

Renters should check for exterior damage when moving into a new property. Most tenants are not responsible for most exterior maintenance, but there are exceptions in single-family homes; checking the lease is essential. Respecting outdoor spaces, maintaining grass health, and utilizing preventative pest control are intelligent ways to keep a property exterior in good condition regardless of responsibility.