5 Common Maintenance Mistakes Anchorage Landlords Make in Winter

Alaska winters are famously beautiful, but they can be brutal on residential properties. For landlords in Anchorage and Eagle River, the season of snow and ice is also the season of high risk. Neglecting property maintenance during these critical months can turn minor, inexpensive issues into catastrophic financial headaches.

This guide highlights five of the most common—and costly—winter maintenance mistakes we see landlords make. By understanding these pitfalls and how to avoid them, you can better protect your investment, keep your tenants safe and happy, and ensure your property remains profitable through the thaw.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. For specific legal or maintenance concerns, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney or a professional property manager.

Mistake 1: Neglecting Gutter Cleaning

The Mistake: Allowing gutters to remain clogged with autumn leaves, moss, and other debris as freezing temperatures set in.

Why It’s a Problem: Clogged gutters are a primary cause of ice dams. When snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge, it creates a dam of ice. Water backs up behind it, seeping under shingles and leaking into the attic, insulation, and walls. Furthermore, water that can’t drain properly will spill over and pool around the foundation, leading to potential cracks and serious structural damage.

The Solution: This is a simple case of preventative maintenance. Schedule a professional gutter cleaning in late fall, after the leaves have fallen but before the first heavy snowfall. Ensure all downspouts are clear and extend several feet away from the foundation.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Foggy Windows

The Mistake: Dismissing condensation or fog that appears between the panes of a double- or triple-pane window.

Why It’s a Problem: That fog is a clear sign that the window’s seal has failed. This breach allows the insulating gas to escape and moisture to enter, drastically reducing the window’s insulating properties. In an Anchorage winter, this leads directly to higher heating bills—a significant issue whether you or your tenant pays for utilities. It also reduces tenant comfort and can lead to moisture damage and mold within the window unit itself.

The Solution: Conduct annual inspections of all windows. If a seal is broken, promptly schedule a replacement of the insulated glass unit (IGU). It’s a targeted repair that is far cheaper than ignoring the problem and paying for wasted heat all winter.

Mistake 3: Overlooking “Small” Leaks

The Mistake: Delaying repairs on a dripping faucet, a constantly running toilet, or a minor leak under a sink. This also includes failing to prepare exterior hose bibs for the winter.

Why It’s a Problem: In a cold climate, no leak stays small for long. Indoors, persistent moisture leads to water damage in flooring, cabinets, and subfloors, creating the perfect environment for costly mold remediation. Outdoors, a leaky or undrained hose bib will freeze, expand, and can burst the pipe inside your wall, leading to a flood.

The Solution: Treat every leak as an emergency. Encourage tenants to report leaks immediately and have a reliable plumber ready to address them. Before the first frost, ensure all tenants have disconnected their hoses and that you have drained and covered all exterior spigots.

Mistake 4: Procrastinating on Essential Repairs

The Mistake: Putting off necessary repairs—like a few loose shingles or a malfunctioning furnace—due to perceived cost or inconvenience.

Why It’s a Problem: Procrastination is a landlord’s worst enemy. A small roof issue can become a major leak and interior collapse after a heavy snowfall. A furnace that is showing signs of failure is guaranteed to quit on the coldest night of the year. Beyond the escalating costs, there is a legal component. Under the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you are legally required to maintain a safe and habitable property. This includes performing essential repairs within 10 days of being notified, or providing a reasonable timeline for more complex fixes.

The Solution: Create a system for tracking and prioritizing all maintenance requests. Address issues that affect habitability—heating, plumbing, and safety—immediately. Having a reserve fund for unexpected repairs is a key part of being a responsible landlord.

Mistake 5: Not Understanding Alaska’s Landlord-Tenant Laws

The Mistake: Assuming that you can handle maintenance “your way” without being fully aware of your legal obligations under state law (AS 34.03.010–34.03.380).

Why It’s a Problem: Ignorance of the law is not a defense. If you fail to meet your maintenance obligations, tenants in Alaska have legal remedies. They may be able to withhold rent, make the repairs themselves and deduct the cost, or even seek substitute housing at your expense. These situations can quickly escalate into costly legal disputes.

The Solution: Every Alaska landlord should read and understand the Landlord and Tenant Act. Ensure your lease agreement is compliant and clearly outlines the maintenance responsibilities for both parties. For true peace of mind, working with a professional property manager who lives and breathes these regulations is the safest bet.

Don’t Let Winter Win

Winter in Anchorage doesn’t have to be a threat to your rental property. By being proactive, diligent, and legally compliant, you can prevent costly damages and protect your investment.

Feeling the chill of winter property worries? All Star Realty AK offers comprehensive property management services in Anchorage and Eagle River, handling all seasonal maintenance and legal compliance with local expertise. Contact us today for peace of mind this winter.