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7 Helpful Winter Apartment Maintenance Tips Every Renter Should Know

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Updated February 7, 2026
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Winter has a way of showing up fast, and when it does, your apartment feels it too. From chilly drafts to frozen pipes, cold weather can bring a few surprises. The good news? A little know?how goes a long way, and you don’t need to be a maintenance pro to keep your space cozy and problem?free.

Here are some easy, renter?friendly winter apartment tips to help you stay warm, comfortable, and ahead of any cold?weather chaos.

 

A large living room window looking out to a snowy apartment community.

1. Kick Cold Drafts to the Curb

If your apartment feels chilly even with the heat on, sneaky drafts might be to blame.

Try this:

  1. Run your hand along windows and doors to check for cold air leaks.
  2. Use a door draft stopper or removable weatherstripping (cheap, easy, and renter?approved).
  3. Close blinds or curtains at night to help trap heat inside.
  4. Spot cracked seals or damaged windows? Let maintenance know, it’s an easy fix that makes a big difference.

Staying warm shouldn’t require wearing three hoodies indoors.

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A kitchen sink with cabinets underneath in an apartment home

 

 

2. Show Your Pipes a Little Love

Frozen pipes are one of winter’s biggest troublemakers, and they can cause major messes if ignored.

Outside of The Riverwood in Apartments In St Paul

Simple ways to prevent problems:

  1. Keep your thermostat set to a steady temperature, even if you’re heading out for the day.
  2. Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate.
  3. During extreme cold, a slow drip from faucets (if allowed) can help prevent freezing.

If water pressure drops or something seems off, don’t wait; maintenance would much rather fix it early.

a resident utilizing their thermostat in their apartment home

 

3. Test the Heat Before You Really Need It

The worst time to find out your heat isn’t working? The coldest day of the year.

Do a quick check:

  1. Turn your heat on early in the season to make sure it’s working properly.
  2. Make sure vents or baseboards aren’t blocked by furniture.
  3. If your unit has an air filter you can replace, a clean one helps heat circulate better.

If your apartment isn’t warming up like it should, submit a maintenance request sooner rather than later.

a window in an apartment with foggy windows

4. Keep Moisture (and Mold) in Check

Winter air may be dry outside, but inside your apartment, moisture can sneak up fast.

Stay ahead of it:

  1. Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering.
  2. Wipe condensation off windows and sills.
  3. Avoid drying clothes indoors unless there’s good airflow.

If you notice musty smells, peeling paint, or water spots, flag it early; small fixes now prevent bigger issues later.

a resident and his daughter in their bathroom beneath a smoke detector

5. Stay Cozy, Without the Fire Risk

Space heaters can be tempting, but safety always comes first.

If they’re allowed in your building:

  1. Stick to modern models with automatic shut?off features.
  2. Keep heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.
  3. Never leave them running while you sleep or leave the apartment.

Also, make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. If something seems off, maintenance has your back.

An apartment balcony overlooking a snowy community.

6. Give Your Balcony (and Entryway) a Winter Check

Snow and ice don’t just look messy. They can cause drainage issues and slippery situations.

A few quick tips:

  1. Clear snow and ice from balconies if accessible.
  2. Keep drains free from clutter.
  3. Use only approved mats or coverings to prevent slips.

Skip the salt–some products can damage concrete and landscaping, and on-site maintenance teams know the best products to use.

an apartment resident holding a phone with the Rent Cafe App page up in the App Store. This app allows residents to submit Maintenance Requests from their phones.

7. When in Doubt, Call Maintenance

You’re not expected to handle winter issues alone! That’s what your property team is for.

Reach out right away if you notice:

  1. Little or no heat
  2. Frozen or leaking pipes
  3. Electrical issues
  4. Water coming in through windows, walls, or ceilings

Reporting issues early helps keep small problems from turning into big headaches.

A snowy winter scene.

Winter, But Make It Comfortable

Winter apartment living doesn’t have to feel like a chore checklist. A few simple habits–and knowing when to ask for help–can keep your home warm, safe, and stress?free all season long. If you’re looking for more tips on winter living, check out our blog on 5 Winter Safety Tips for Apartment Residents.

If you ever have questions or need assistance, your on?site team is always there to help. Stay cozy!

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