Getting Your Rental Property Ready for Spring & Summer in North Idaho
Your Seasonal Preventative Maintenance Checklist from the Pros at Golden Properties
Here in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, and throughout Kootenai County, seasonal changes aren’t just a matter of swapping out jackets and lawn chairs. If you own rental properties in North Idaho, spring and summer bring an entirely new set of maintenance needs. At Golden Properties, we believe the best way to avoid costly repairs and frustrated tenants is simple: get ahead of the problem.
This seasonal maintenance guide will help you protect your investment, keep your tenants happy, and ensure your property is operating efficiently all summer long.
1. Open Crawlspace Vents
In the winter, most North Idaho homes have their crawlspace vents closed to retain heat and prevent frozen pipes. But once temperatures rise, it's important to reopen those vents to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup under the house. Trapped humidity can lead to mold, rot, and pest problems, all things you definitely want to avoid.
2. Change HVAC Filters (and Service If Needed)
As temperatures rise, AC units across Coeur d’Alene go from dormant to full blast overnight. One of the easiest ways to protect your HVAC system is to change the air filters at the start of the season, and ideally every 90 days after that.
Clogged filters restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and put stress on the blower motor which always seems to burn out on the hottest day of the year.
Need a local HVAC pro? We highly recommend CDA Heating and Cooling for spring AC tune-ups and filter checks. We’re happy to coordinate for you.
3. Test & Turn On Your Irrigation System (Don’t Forget Backflow!)
Spring is the time to bring your sprinkler system back online, but don’t skip the legal and safety requirements. In Kootenai County, you need a certified backflow test each year when activating your irrigation system.
We recommend Epic Backflow in Coeur d’Alene, they're fast, local, and reliable. Once your system is turned on, walk the property to:
Check for leaks or broken heads
Ensure proper sprinkler coverage
Adjust timing for optimal watering (early mornings are best)
If you need sprinkler repair, Inland Sprinklers is a great local company that provides quality work. Proactive irrigation setup saves water, prevents lawn damage, and keeps your landscaping in top shape all season.
4. Stay Ahead on Lawn & Landscape Maintenance
Once spring hits, things grow fast here in North Idaho. Staying ahead of weed control, fertilization, and regular mowing not only improves curb appeal. It also keeps your tenants satisfied and your property value protected.
Make sure:
Lawns are edged and fertilized
Bushes and trees are trimmed away from the house to prevent roof and siding damage
Vines and shrubs aren’t creating rodent bridges into crawlspaces or attic vents
Want to outsource it? We work with several trusted landscaping companies across Kootenai County and can coordinate seasonal lawn care as needed.
5. Clean the Gutters (Yes, Again)
Even if you cleared them in the fall, gutters often collect debris over the winter, especially with snow and pine needles in the mix. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, foundation erosion, and roof leaks during spring showers.
Make sure all gutters and downspouts:
Are free of blockages
Drain away from the foundation
Are securely attached (check for sagging)
6. Check Window Screens & Weatherstripping
Warm weather = open windows. But that also means bugs, drafts, and loss of AC efficiency if your window screens or weatherstripping are damaged.
Walk the property and:
Replace any torn or missing screens
Check doors and windows for gaps where cool air can escape
Apply weatherstripping where needed to boost energy efficiency
Your tenants will thank you when their power bill doesn’t skyrocket.
7. Seal Cracks & Gaps (Pest Prevention 101)
Ants, spiders, and rodents all start looking for shelter as the weather warms up. Do a perimeter inspection to check for:
Gaps around doors, pipes, or utility connections
Unsealed soffits or crawlspace access points
Evidence of prior pest entry
A tube of caulk could save you hundreds in exterminator costs later.
8. Prep Outdoor Amenities
If your rental has a patio, deck, or barbecue area, spring is the time to refresh it:
Power wash decks and clean patio furniture
Check railings for safety and wear
Clean out fire pits or outdoor kitchens
Bonus: these small efforts can increase tenant satisfaction and even justify higher rents over time.
9. Remind Tenants of Summer Expectations
Preventative maintenance also includes setting expectations. A quick email or seasonal checklist can go a long way in helping tenants take better care of the property.
Consider reminding them:
Not to run the sprinkler system during restricted hours (some areas of Coeur d’Alene have watering schedules)
To report any signs of water leaks, pests, or AC issues right away
To keep window screens closed to avoid unwanted pests
Final Thoughts
North Idaho weather can be unpredictable, but your property maintenance doesn’t have to be. With just a little planning and coordination, you can set your rental home up for success and avoid the expensive surprises that often come with summer.
At Golden Properties, we handle seasonal maintenance for dozens of homes in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, and throughout Kootenai County. Whether you need a one-time tune-up or full property management, we’re here to help.
Got questions about getting your property summer-ready? We’d love to chat.
Locally owned. Community focused. Maintenance obsessed.
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