Summer Home Maintenance Checklist (PDF, Excel)

I’ve spent years, as a REALTOR® and homeowner, helping my clients. This has included rental property owners and property managers. I like to help them stay ahead of home maintenance needs, especially when summertime starts. We all know that summer brings warm weather, hot air, and plenty of tasks around the home’s exterior and indoor spaces. Having said that, I’m excited to share my customizable Summer Home Maintenance Checklist with you to help streamline your summer maintenance checklist.

Please, go ahead and use this checklist to save time spent on necessary repairs. You’ll want to keep your air conditioner running smoothly for cool air, and maintain your home with fresh coats of paint, clean window screens, and a good session with the pressure washer. We all love to enjoy a cool breeze, and a nice view from the indoors. But preparing your property for the warmer months can be a pain, so I hope it’ll save you time. Let’s get to work. This checklist is designed to help you stay organized and worry-free.

Download Free Summer Maintenance Checklist

PDF | Excel | Google Docs

How I Approach the Regular Upkeep of a Property During Summer

I personally think summer is the perfect time to step back from the daily grind and give your property a thorough once-over, but even seasoned owners forget a few tasks. On my own to do list, I always start by letting refrigerator coils air dry after a quick vacuum, moisture there breeds grime and reduces efficiency.

I run scalding hot water through rarely used drains to clear hidden sludge, then move outside before the dog days settle in. There, I tap down protruding nails on deck boards, scrub patio furniture with soapy water, and sweep away the dirt and debris that collect beneath shrubbery.

Mid-summer is also a great time to reseal tiny foundation gaps to prevent damage when afternoon sun expands concrete. Because maintenance is a year round responsibility, I finish the season by walking the roofline for loose flashing and checking gutters for potential damage, simple steps that keep every system in good condition until cooler weather rolls in. Don’t forget about the ceiling fans and anything related to air quality.

1). Inspect and service air conditioning unit

I call my HVAC tech now so the unit hums happily when July heat kicks in.

2). Replace HVAC air filters

I slide in fresh filters every summer to keep the cool air flowing and allergens down.

3). Power wash siding

I blast off the mildew and cobwebs so the house looks crisp from the street.

4). Wash windows and screens

I scrub the glass and pop out screens for a rinse to bring in brighter light.

5). Clean dryer vent

I vacuum the vent tube so lint doesn’t turn into a hidden fire starter.

6). Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

I press every test button to be sure each alarm actually yells when it should.

7). Inspect roof for damaged shingles

I walk the perimeter with binoculars and replace any shingles that tried to escape.

8). Trim trees and shrubs away from house

I cut back branches before storms turn them into battering rams.

9). Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery

I rent a steamer and lift out months of sand and pet fur for a fresher house.

10). Flush and drain water heater

I drain a few gallons to sweep out sediment so the heater lasts longer.

11). Check interior plumbing for leaks

I feel under sinks and around toilets to catch drips before they soak drywall.

12). Inspect deck or patio for wear

I look for splintered boards and tighten bolts so the next barbecue is wobble‑free.

13). Prepare emergency kit for summer storms

I stash flashlights, batteries, and bottled water where I can grab them in a blackout.

Every Property Has Different Needs

From years of walkthroughs and inspection after inspection, I’ve learned that every property has its own needs and specificities. One owner’s century‑old bungalow needed fresh weather stripping around drafty doors, while another’s modern duplex demanded a weekend on a ladder tightening loose boards on the balcony. Some summers I’m knee‑deep clearing clogged gutters; others I’m sealing a cracked driveway to steer rain away and dodge costly water damage. Please, I hope you will find this checklist as a springboard, tweak it for your place.

Check Back for Updates to this Summer Maintenance Checklist

I find that even the best home maintenance routines need an upgrade, and I’m committed to keeping this guide fresh. If you notice new signs of wear and tear, things like grimy windows that need a good cleaning, or even loose siding that’s ready to replace, or piles of seasonal debris dulling your curb appeal, then let me know how you handle that. Drop your ideas and feedback in the comments; I review the notes and will roll the best suggestions into future versions so this checklist stays as helpful as possible for everyone who runs a property.

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