Winter can put a rental property through some of its toughest conditions. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice and extended periods of cold weather can expose problems that may not be obvious during the warmer months.

For Vermont landlords, preparing before winter arrives can help reduce avoidable maintenance problems and make it easier to respond when something does go wrong.

Winterization isn't just about turning on the heat. It is a broader process of checking the property's heating, plumbing, exterior, access points and other systems before severe weather arrives.

For owners who live outside Vermont or manage multiple properties, having a consistent winterization checklist can be especially useful.

Before the First Freeze

•  Schedule professional heating system service (furnace, boiler, or heat pump)
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces (crawl spaces, basements, exterior walls)
• Clean all gutters and downspouts
• Inspect roof for damaged or missing shingles
• Check attic insulation and ventilation
• Inspect and weatherstrip doors and windows
• Inspect chimney and any vented heating appliances
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries
• Confirm snow removal and de-icing responsibility is documented in the lease
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs
• Send tenants a seasonal reminder with emergency contact information

For Multifamily and Commercial Properties

•  Prioritize shared-system maintenance (boilers, roofs, common areas) ahead of season
• Confirm a vendor response plan is in place before a failure happens
• Check common area walkways and parking lots for ice/snow removal coverage

If a Tenant Reports a Heating Issue This Winter

•  Respond immediately — heating is a habitability requirement under Vermont law
• Document the report, response time, and resolution
• Follow up to confirm the issue is fully resolved, not just addressed

Why Winterization Matters for Vermont Rental Properties

Cold weather can place additional stress on building systems. A small problem with insulation, plumbing, heating or exterior drainage may become much more serious once temperatures drop.

For example, a minor plumbing vulnerability can become a frozen-pipe problem, while an overlooked heating issue can become an emergency when temperatures are at their lowest.

Vermont law also places important responsibilities on residential landlords. Rental housing must be maintained in a safe, clean and habitable condition, and landlords have specific obligations concerning heating and water.  That makes preventative maintenance more than just a convenience. It is part of responsible property management.

A Simple Fall Winterization Schedule

A practical approach is to divide winter preparation into stages.

Early Fall

• Review maintenance history
• Schedule heating service
• Inspect roof and drainage
• Review snow-removal arrangements
• Identify recurring maintenance problems

Late Fall

• Check doors and windows
• Inspect exposed plumbing
• Review vacant units
• Confirm emergency contacts
• Complete outstanding exterior repairs

Before Severe Cold

• Confirm heating systems are operating
• Confirm snow and ice contractors are ready
• Check vulnerable plumbing areas
• Confirm emergency procedures
• Make sure tenants know how to report urgent problems

Common Winterization Mistakes Landlords Make

1. Waiting for the first major storm

Winter preparation works best when problems are identified before extreme weather arrives.

2. Focusing only on the heating system

Heating is important, but it is only one part of winter readiness.

3. Forgetting vacant properties

Vacant units may require more monitoring, not less.

4. Ignoring small exterior problems

A loose railing, damaged gutter or small roof issue can become more difficult to address during winter.

5. Not having an emergency response plan

Knowing who to call before an emergency occurs can save valuable time.

When Professional Property Management Can Help

Winter preparation becomes more complicated as the number of properties increases.

An owner managing one nearby rental may be able to handle many tasks personally.

An owner managing several multifamily properties, commercial buildings or properties from another state may need a more structured process.

A property manager can help coordinate:

• Seasonal inspections
• Heating contractors
• Maintenance requests
• Snow and ice services
• Emergency repairs
• Tenant communication
• Vendor scheduling
• Follow-up inspections

The objective isn't simply to react when something breaks. It is to create a system that identifies and addresses problems before they become larger issues.

Final Takeaway

Vermont winter weather is something rental property owners should prepare for rather than simply react to.

A good winterization plan should cover heating, plumbing, roofing, drainage, exterior areas, vacant units, snow removal and emergency response.

For landlords who own properties remotely or manage multiple buildings, having a local management team coordinate these tasks can make seasonal maintenance considerably easier.