This is a maintenance checklist, not legal advice. Who is responsible for each item depends on your lease and Wisconsin rules, so check those separately.
The checklist
- Furnace filters. This Old House says to replace them every two to three months or when dirty, and check monthly in winter. Rentals with pets may need it sooner. See how often to change a furnace filter.
- Outdoor faucets. Hoses off, inside valves closed, outdoor faucets opened to drain, covers or frost-proof faucets where possible. See winterizing outdoor faucets.
- Gutters and downspouts. Clear in early fall and whenever clogged, pointed away from the building. See when to clean gutters.
- Dryer vents. The NFPA says to clean the vent at least once a year. Do it between tenants. See dryer vent cleaning.
- Sump pump. Pour water into the pit and make sure the pump cycles at least twice. See how to test your sump pump.
- Main shut-off. Confirm it is accessible and turns, and that tenants know where it is. See finding the main shut-off.
Why a checklist and a coordinator
Across several units, each of these is a separate visit for a different trade. Summit coordinates licensed partner contractors through one point of contact, with one invoice per job, so a fall list like this becomes one scheduled round instead of six phone calls. See how it works for landlords.
Sources
Every figure above comes from one of these. Where they disagree, the post says so rather than averaging them into a single number.
- How often to change a furnace filter - This Old House
- Winterize your outdoor faucets - NBC4 Washington, with Michael & Son
- How to protect an outside faucet from freezing - Homes & Gardens
- Clean gutters - Delaware DNREC (PDF)
- Dryer safety, citing NFPA - MAPFRE Insurance
- Sump pump guidance - NDSU Extension (PDF)
- Before an emergency: find your home's water shut-off valve - City of Bellevue, WA