Short answer: In Michigan, plan maintenance around freeze and thaw: service the furnace and clean gutters in fall, protect pipes and line up snow removal before the first storm, test for radon in winter, check roofs, foundations and sump pumps in spring, and handle lawn, exterior paint and pest sealing in summer. Test smoke and CO alarms monthly.
The year at a glance
| Season | Do this |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep to Nov) | Furnace service and new filters; clean gutters after leaves drop; shut off and drain outdoor faucets; seal gaps where mice get in; book snow removal; check weatherstripping; last mow and leaf cleanup |
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | Keep sidewalks and steps clear; keep vacant units heated; know where every water shut-off is; check for ice dams; test for radon; replace furnace filters on schedule |
| Spring (Mar to May) | Walk the roof line, gutters and downspouts; test the sump pump before heavy rain; look for foundation cracks and basement water; restart outdoor faucets and check for leaks; start lawn care |
| Summer (Jun to Aug) | Exterior paint and caulk; trim trees and shrubs away from the house; AC service; pest inspection; schedule turnovers around the busy summer move season |
| Every month | Test smoke and CO alarms; check for leaks under sinks; walk vacant units |
Why is fall the most important season in Michigan?
Most expensive winter problems start with something skipped in fall: frozen pipes from an outdoor faucet left on, ice dams from clogged gutters, or a furnace that fails in the first cold snap. Winter, with the house closed up, is also a common time to run a radon test.
Safety checks that matter most
- Smoke alarms: the U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing them every month.
- Carbon monoxide alarms: fuel-burning furnaces, water heaters and attached garages make CO alarms essential. The CPSC recommends a CO alarm on each level and outside sleeping areas.
- Radon: Michigan's EGLE radon program recommends testing every two years, because homes settle and radon levels change.
Detroit rentals: the inspection is a maintenance list
Detroit's 15-point rental inspection checks things that seasonal maintenance keeps passing: heat that can reach 68°F, hot water between 110 and 140°F, working smoke and CO detectors, a roof, walls and gutters that keep out rain and snow, no leaks, no pests, and no deteriorated paint or bare soil. See our Detroit rental certificate guide.
For landlords and hosts: put it on a schedule
Recurring work is easier as a standing order: lawn care in season, snow removal all winter, trash cans to and from the curb every week. See lawn care, snow removal and trash can valet. Detroit owners should also know the Detroit sidewalk snow rules.
Sources
- U.S. Fire Administration: Smoke alarms
- U.S. CPSC: CO Alarms
- Michigan EGLE: Michigan Indoor Radon Program
- U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver Guide (PDF)
- City of Detroit: Rental Ordinance 15-point Inspection Checklist (PDF, Apr 2025)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official sources above before you rely on them.
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