A Spring Cleaning Checklist For Property Managers

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 3, 2025

Spring cleaning for property managers in Chicago requires more than a mop and broom. This updated checklist covers safety, maintenance, budgeting, and tenant tips to keep your properties in peak condition.

Not all spring tasks are created equal — especially for property managers responsible for keeping multi-unit residential and commercial buildings clean, safe, and running efficiently. As winter fades in Chicago and the North Shore suburbs like Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, and Oak Park, spring brings both opportunity and urgency.

From roof inspections to reconnecting with tenants, here’s your updated 2025 spring cleaning checklist tailored specifically for property managers in Chicagoland.

1. Reconnect With Tenants (And Reset Expectations)

Spring is the perfect time to engage your tenants after the long winter. Start with an updated email or printed newsletter. It’s your opportunity to:

Share upcoming seasonal maintenance work
Offer gentle reminders about tenant responsibilities (like lawn care or reporting maintenance issues)
Offer helpful spring tips, such as cleaning window tracks and testing air conditioning units.

Pro Tip: Include your emergency contact info and reinforce your property’s disaster response plan.

2. Exterior Maintenance — Start From the Outside In

Harsh Midwest winters can take a toll on your property's exterior. Prioritize these springtime tasks:

Remove debris from gutters and downspouts
Inspect and clean all drainage systems
Look for roof damage from ice dams or heavy snow
Power wash sidewalks, stairways, and parking areas
Check fences, gates, and exterior lighting

Water pooling near foundations? Act fast. Water intrusion can cause major damage and mold. Our residential water damage restoration services can help.

3. Interior Maintenance — Safety, Systems & Sanitation

Give your interior spaces a thorough review and refresh:

Replace HVAC filters — clogged filters shorten system life
Test A/C units and schedule seasonal tune-ups
Check smoke detectors, CO monitors, and fire extinguishers
Test elevator functionality and inspect lobbies
Clean or replace air return grilles and vents
Deep clean all common areas and floors

Tip: Schedule recurring specialty cleaning services for carpets, upholstery, and post-construction work.

4. Stock Up on Supplies & Maintenance Essentials

Avoid last-minute supply runs. Spring is the best time to bulk up on these essentials:

HVAC filters and belts
Light bulbs (multiple wattages)
Faucet aerators, showerheads, and seals
Paint, caulk, and touch-up kits
Smoke detector batteries
Common tools and fasteners

Organize a labeled supply cabinet or room to keep inventory visible.

5. Revise Your Seasonal Budget

Spring is the peak move-in/move-out season in Chicago. Budget for:

Carpet cleaning
Touch-up painting
Appliance maintenance
Key and lock replacements
Turnover deep cleaning
Dumpster or bulk trash pickups

Costs go up annually — adjust your pricing and vendor budgets now.

6. Schedule Property Inspections

Even if you walk your properties weekly, spring warrants a full walk-through:

Inspect unit exteriors for water damage or siding issues
Check stairwells and hallways for trip hazards
Document signs of wear and tear
Look for mold or mildew in basements and utility rooms

If you find signs of water intrusion, contact our mold remediation team immediately. Mold spreads quickly and can affect tenant health.

7. Review & Update Emergency Plans

Are your disaster protocols still relevant? Update and redistribute your property’s emergency plan with clear contact information for local fire, police, and restoration experts, such as ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

Ensure:

Emergency exits and fire routes are marked
Safety equipment is inspected
Tenants know who to call in the event of a flood, fire, or power outage

8. Book Preventative Restoration Services Before Peak Season

Spring is also when demand for restoration services spikes. Be proactive:

Schedule duct cleaning to improve indoor air quality
Book post-winter water damage assessments
Request commercial disinfection services for high-traffic lobbies and amenities

9. Customize This Checklist for Each Property

No two buildings are the same. Use this list as your foundation, but tailor it to:

High-rise vs. garden-style apartments
Commercial mixed-use buildings
HOAs or associations with specific rules
Historic properties requiring extra care

Maintain a seasonal checklist for each property profile.

FAQs: Spring Cleaning for Property Managers

Q: What’s the most important spring cleaning task for Chicago property managers?
A: Roof and drainage inspection. Preventing water intrusion is critical to avoid costly structural and mold damage.

Q: How often should HVAC filters be changed in multi-unit buildings?
A: Every 90 days, or more frequently in high-pollen seasons or buildings with pets.

Q: How can I prevent mold growth after winter?
A: Schedule a water damage inspection, keep humidity under 60%, and address any musty odors or dampness immediately.

Q: What should I do if I find water damage?
A: Contact a certified restoration provider like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. Our IICRC-certified team offers a 24/7 response.

Don’t Let Spring Cleaning Overwhelm You — Call ServiceMaster

With over 40 years of experience in Chicagoland and deep knowledge of property restoration, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is your partner for:

Emergency cleanup
Mold remediation
Fire and smoke restoration
Post-construction and specialty cleaning
Preventative maintenance programs

Book your seasonal inspection today by calling (773) 376-1110.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a trusted name in disaster restoration, proudly serving Chicago, the North Shore (including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Glenview), Oak Park, River Forest, DuPage County, and Lake County.

With IICRC-certified technicians and more than 40 years of local experience, we’re Chicagoland’s go-to for water, fire, and mold restoration services. We are proud recipients of the BBB Torch Award, Skokie Business of the Year (Honorable Mention), and the Stevie® Award for Business Excellence.

We are also a proud member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).

Learn More in Our Book — RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset

Written by Nasutsa Mabwa and Sam Simon, this essential guide teaches homeowners and property managers how to protect their buildings from water, fire, and mold damage. Available on Amazon

Services We Provide:

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.