Taking a few proactive steps and learning more about property maintenance issues can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home Safe and Sound this winter. 

Common Property Maintenance Issuessmall wooden house wrapped in a green scarf with a white hat

The first step to getting your home or apartment ready for winter weather is to know what's required in Austin’s property maintenance code. We have tips below on how to make repairs, or if you need to report a violation, you can call 3-1-1, use the 3-1-1 app, or make a report online. 

Some common property maintenance issues include:

  • Issues with heating, plumbing, electricity, lack of weather protection, and structural hazards. These are issues beyond a home that’s old or outdated and can pose a risk to the health and safety of occupants, neighbors, and visitors.
  • Missing or non-functioning Carbon Monoxide detectors. Any structure used for residential purposes and uses gas- or fuel-burning appliances (and/or has an attached garage that connects to the structure) are required to install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

View Common Code Violations Webpage

Winter Safety Concerns

Make sure you have a maintenance checklist to help prepare your living space for winter. Here are some recommendations:

step 1   Appliances

Make sure your appliances are in working condition and that there are no exposed wires. Appliances such as HVAC systems or water heaters use gas, oil, or coal. Inspect these for leaks, and if you find one, open all windows for ventilation and have the appliance in question professionally inspected.
 

step 2   Heating

Ensure the heating system is operating properly. It must be able to keep habitable spaces at least 68°F without using a stove or fuel-burning space heater. 
 

step 3   Home Exterior Check

Check your outer walls, windows, and roof for any damage or leaks that should be repaired before cold weather arrives. Also, check for signs of pests and seal any possible entrances. Be sure steps, decking, and other walking surfaces are in good repair. 
 

step 4   Smoke and CO Alarms

Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed and operating properly. Make sure there is one outside of each sleeping area and near fuel-burning appliances.  CO alarms must be receiving power from and be wired to a local power source, with a battery back-up. Replace batteries before winter.

See Austin Fire’s Home Hazard Checklist. 
 

step 5   Trees

Remove dead limbs and check for any potential hazards above your home. This is also a good time to remove leaves and debris from your gutters. You can contact a certified arborist, if needed, to help protect your trees' health. 

Learn more about tree care and protection.
 

step 6   Water

Check visible pipes for leaks and check water temperature. Ensure hot water can reach 110°F throughout the home. Have a plan to insulate outdoor pipes and reduce the chance of burst pipes indoors.  

See cold weather tips from Austin Water.

Some homeowners are eligible for plumbing repair assistance. Learn more about the City of Austin Plumbing Program.

Winter weather also brings the risk of flooding from broken pipes. If your home is impacted by a flood, you will need to be prepared for hazards caused by flood damage. This Structural Safety Checklist can help you prepare: 

Winter Weather Damage

Even when you prepare, your home might be impacted by winter weather. An emergency repair is an unexpected fix that needs to occur to prevent further damage or danger to a property or building. If you need an emergency repair, the Development Services Department will work with you to make sure they are completed safely. Permits and inspections may be required depending on the type of repair.   

Emergency Repairs

Following a winter weather event, monitor our Permits for Emergency Repairs webpage for current guidance about emergency repairs and event-specific updates.  

Permits for Emergency Repairs Webpage

Emergency Code Enforcement

  • Property managers have a responsibility to maintain a safe structure, including heating, hot water, and proper smoke alarms and CO detectors. Be sure to test gas lines for leaks, ensure the furnace is operating correctly, and check boilers for proper operation.

  • If you are a tenant whose safety is threatened by unresolved code violations, call Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000) to request a Code Inspector.