If you own a rental in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, or Dewey-Humboldt, December is the month where “small problems” turn into expensive surprises—fast. Temperatures drop, guests arrive, tenants travel, and the homes that weren’t proactively maintained start showing it.
Here’s a practical, local winter checklist we use at Rent Right to protect properties, keep tenants comfortable, and prevent emergency calls that always seem to happen on holidays.
1) Protect Pipes From Freezing (Yes, it happens here)
Prescott winters can be mild—until they aren’t. The biggest risk is exposed plumbing in garages, exterior walls, hose bibs, and crawl spaces.
Owner action items
•Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor spigots
•Confirm tenants know how to keep heat on when traveling
•Identify the home’s main shutoff valve location (and label it)
2) Service the Heating System Before It Fails
A struggling furnace or heat pump will usually limp along… until the first real cold snap.
What to do in December
•Schedule HVAC service (or confirm it was done recently)
•Replace filters and document it
•Test thermostats and verify safe heat output
3) Check Weather Stripping and Door Seals
Air leaks = higher utility bills, unhappy tenants, and moisture issues.
Quick wins
•Replace worn weather stripping around exterior doors
•Verify sliding doors lock and seal correctly
•Seal obvious gaps around windows (without “over-caulking” everything)
4) Roof + Gutters = Avoid Interior Damage
One winter storm + clogged gutters = water going where it shouldn’t.
December must-dos
•Clear gutters and downspouts
•Inspect roof edges, flashing, and valleys
•Look for past staining in attic or ceiling corners (silent warning signs)
5) Prevent “Holiday Cooking” Disasters
More cooking = more grease, more smoke alarms, more disposal clogs.
Owner/manager best practice
•Confirm smoke detectors are functional and compliant
•Confirm range hood operation
•Remind tenants what not to put down the garbage disposal (grease, rice, potato peels)
6) Fireplace & Chimney Safety (If Applicable)
Wood-burning fireplaces are cozy… and also one of the fastest ways to create an insurance claim if neglected.
Recommended
•Annual chimney inspection/cleaning (especially if used)
•Verify damper function and smoke draw
•Provide clear tenant guidance: what’s allowed, what’s not
7) Exterior Lighting: Longer Nights, Higher Risk
December means earlier darkness. Good lighting reduces trips, falls, and “porch pirate” issues.
Checklist
•Replace bulbs on walkways, steps, and entries
•Add/confirm motion lighting at driveway/parking areas
•Ensure address numbers are clearly visible for emergency responders
8) Trim Trees and Clear Walkways
Wind + heavy branches can take out roof sections, fences, and vehicles.
Local note for the Quad-Cities
Freeze-thaw cycles + leaves and debris can make walkways slick.
Do this
•Trim branches away from roofs and power lines
•Clear walkways, steps, and patios
•Check fences and gates after wind events
9) Confirm Emergency Contact Process
Tenants often travel in December. A small leak can run for days if nobody knows who to call.
What “good” looks like
•Clear instructions for after-hours emergencies
•Verified tenant contact information
•A defined response timeline and escalation plan
10) Review the Lease for Winter-Specific Responsibilities
Who changes filters? Who replaces batteries in detectors? Who handles yard cleanup?
This is the time to confirm lease language matches reality and reduce confusion before the first “I thought you handled that” call.
11) Prep for Turnover Season Early
Many leases end shortly after the holidays. December is a great time to:
•Schedule pre-move-out inspections
•Plan make-ready timelines
•Line up vendors before everyone gets booked
Owners who plan early usually minimize vacancy and avoid rushed repairs.
12) Do a Year-End Property Health Review (The “No Surprises” Move)
A rental isn’t just a house—it’s an income-producing asset. December is perfect for reviewing:
•Maintenance history and recurring issues
•Rent positioning vs. market (without overpricing)
•Improvement priorities for the next 90 days
•Expense categories that can be optimized
Want Rent Right to Run This Checklist for You?
If you’d rather not spend December chasing vendors, handling emergency calls, and coordinating maintenance, Rent Right can manage the details—proactively.
We serve Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt, and we’re built for owners who want their rental cared for like a real asset.
Ready to talk? Reach out to Rent Right and we’ll walk you through what winter-ready management looks like for your property.
