Winterizing Your Rental Property in Southeast Idaho: Landlord and Tenant Tips

As temperatures start to drop across Southeast Idaho, it’s time to make sure your rental properties are ready for winter. Frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns, and roof leaks are all too common when cold weather hits—but the good news is, most problems are easy to prevent with a little preparation.

At Portneuf Family Properties, we handle winter prep for every property we manage so our owners can rest easy and our tenants stay comfortable. Here’s our step-by-step approach to winterizing rentals in Idaho’s colder months—and how you can do the same.

1. Protect Pipes and Plumbing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies. Landlords: Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior water lines before the first freeze. Tenants: Keep the thermostat at least 60°F—even when you’re away—and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.

If you’ll be traveling for more than a couple of days, let us know so we can make sure the system is monitored and protected.

2. Service the Heating System Early

No one wants to lose heat during an Idaho blizzard. Landlords: Schedule a professional furnace tune-up before the season is in full swing. It helps maintain efficiency and extends the lifespan of the system. Tenants: Replace filters regularly and report any unusual noises, smells, or performance issues right away.

A properly serviced furnace can reduce heating costs by 10% or more during the winter.

3. Seal Drafts and Improve Energy Efficiency

Drafts around doors and windows can waste energy fast. Landlords: Inspect caulking, replace worn weather-stripping, and install insulation film on older windows. Tenants: If you feel a draft, don’t ignore it, report it. Repairs are simpler and cheaper before the temperatures drop below freezing.

4. Clean Gutters and Inspect the Roof

Prevent ice dams and leaks before they start. Landlords: Clear gutters and downspouts after the leaves fall, and make sure water drains away from the foundation. Tenants: Report overflowing gutters or visible roof issues early so we can schedule maintenance before snow piles up.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With heaters running and windows closed, safety checks are more important than ever. Landlords: Replace all batteries and test detectors every six months. Tenants: Notify management right away if you hear a chirping alarm or notice a missing detector.

6. Prepare Outdoor Areas

Snow and ice can damage surfaces and create hazards. Landlords: Store hoses, outdoor furniture, and inspect driveways for cracks. Secure snow removal services before the first storm hits. Tenants: Keep outdoor walkways clear of debris and alert management if ice forms in problem areas.

7. Keep Communication Open

Preventing winter problems depends on clear communication between landlords and tenants. At Portneuf Family Properties, we send reminders every October, verify that each home’s heating system is ready, and record maintenance work for transparency and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your rental property isn’t just about protecting pipes, it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your tenants safe and comfortable.

If you’d rather not worry about the details, let Portneuf Family Properties handle it for you. We take care of seasonal maintenance, emergency response, and everything in between so your property performs at its best year-round.

Ready to protect your rental this winter?

Contact PFP