Cold Weather Tips for Rental Properties in Coastal North Carolina

Preparing Your Rental Property for Cold Weather

Cold weather in Coastal North Carolina may not last long, but when temperatures drop, even a short freeze can cause significant damage if a home isn’t prepared. Frozen or burst pipes, damaged fixtures, and slip hazards are some of the most common cold-weather issues we see.

Taking a few preventative steps ahead of time can help protect your property and reduce the risk of emergency repairs.

How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, we recommend the following steps:

• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses

• Cover outdoor faucets with insulating foam covers

• Turn off and winterize the sprinkler system

• When temperatures drop below 32°F, allow one or two faucets to drip slowly. Moving water helps prevent pipes from freezing

• Keep cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes

• Insulate exposed pipes, both indoors and outdoors, using foam pipe covers

  
  

These small steps can make a meaningful difference during cold snaps.

Preparing the Inside of the Home

To help maintain warmth and reduce drafts inside the property:

• Cover or remove window air conditioning units to prevent cold air from entering

• Set ceiling fans to a low speed in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to help circulate warm air throughout the room

  
  

Preparing the Outside of the Home

Outdoor areas also need attention during colder weather:

• Bring potted plants indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures

• Cover outdoor plants with insulating materials during cold snaps

• Remove plant coverings once temperatures rise above freezing

  
  

Additional Cold Weather Tips

A few extra precautions can help improve safety and prevent winter-related issues:

• Limit the use of salt for de-icing when possible and consider alternatives such as sand, kitty litter, or synthetic de-icing materials for traction

• Check antifreeze levels in vehicles

• Use freeze-resistant windshield wiper fluid and spray it a few times to ensure it circulates through the system

  
  

If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe

If you believe a pipe may be frozen or notice signs of a potential issue, contact MPM immediately for further instructions. Early communication can help prevent more extensive damage.

Office: (910) 939-0484 | After-Hours Emergency: (910) 939-0484, ext. 2 | Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Supporting Responsible Property Care

Seasonal preparation is an important part of responsible rental ownership. Cold-weather readiness helps protect your property, reduces risk, and supports smoother operations during winter conditions.

To learn more about how MPM supports long-term and vacation rental properties throughout the year, visit our Long-Term Rentals or Vacation Rentals pages, or contact our team directly.