What Your Shore Home Needs Before It Sits Empty Again

As the last group of summer renters checks out and the fall season creeps in, it’s time to think ahead—especially if your property will be sitting vacant for weeks or months. Whether you rent it out, use it seasonally, or just need to lock it up between visits, end-of-summer prep is key to avoiding off-season damage, costly repairs, or unpleasant surprises next spring.

Here’s a simple, effective close-up checklist for shore homes—and how Shore Handyman can help handle the details.

Rental Close-Up Checklist: What to Do Before You Lock Up

1. Check for Wear and Tear from the Season

• Patch holes, scuffs, or drywall damage from luggage, furniture, or guest turnover
  
• Tighten or replace loose cabinet pulls, knobs, and fixtures
  
• Inspect blinds, rods, and curtain hardware for signs of damage
  
  

We can: patch drywall, paint touch-ups, fixture repairs, and help restore your home to guest-ready condition for the next season.

2. Deep-Clean and Reset Outdoor Showers

• Flush sand from drains and check valves for wear
  
• Remove any buildup around heads, handles, or joints
  
• Confirm proper water shut-off access for fall
  
  

We can: inspect and tune up your outdoor shower, ensuring it’s in good shape and ready to shut down for the season.

3. Schedule a Storm Watch Plan

• Don’t leave your home unattended with no one checking in after a storm
• Late-summer hurricanes and fall nor’easters are real risks along the coast
  

We can: provide a dedicated Storm Watch Service, including pre- and post-storm inspections, photos, and urgent repair coordination while you're away.

4. Inspect Entry Points and Door Hardware

• Rental usage can loosen hinges and wear down locks
  
• Ensure doors close and seal properly to avoid drafts, pests, or water intrusion
  

We can: realign doors, replace locks, and add weatherstripping to keep your home tight and secure during the off-season.

5. Clean and Secure Gutters and Downspouts

• Debris from summer storms or tree cover can clog systems before fall rain begins
  
• Downspouts should direct water away from your foundation
  

We can: clear out gutters, inspect attachment points, and ensure proper drainage flow.

6. Test Smoke Alarms and Safety Devices

• Battery-powered smoke/CO2 detectors often get ignored during the rental rush
  
• Check fire extinguishers, detectors, and other safety items before closing up
  

We can: test, replace batteries, and document rental inspection compliance items so your home stays protected.

Why It Matters

Homes left unoccupied—even just for a few months—face different risks than those lived in daily. Moisture, pests, weather, and forgotten maintenance items have time to worsen without anyone noticing. A small repair in August can prevent major headaches by February.

Ready to Close It Down? We’ll Help.

If you're ready to close up your shore home after rental season, Shore Handyman can help tie up the loose ends. From minor repairs to seasonal prep and storm monitoring, we offer professional, timely service across Cape May County.

Call 609-545-2303 or schedule your rental close-down checklist at www.yourshorehandyman.com