By Angela B.

At Roommates.com, we know that preparing for winter is all about comfort and safety as the cooler months approach. With years of experience helping people find compatible roommates and ideal housing options, we’ve been the trusted authority on finding the perfect fit for your needs since 2004. Let us help you and your roommate get ready for a cozy, safe season ahead!

Winter’s around the corner, and it’s time to prep your space to keep you and your roommates comfortable and safe. With these Roommates Fall and Winter Safety Tips, you can beat the chill, avoid hazards, and ensure everyone’s cozy as the temperature drops. Here’s a rundown of winter essentials to make life easier for you and your roommates once the snow flies.

Ask your landlord or property manager if they provide any of the following items to help ease winter prep and manage your budget. Many will appreciate your proactive approach to protecting the property and ensuring everyone’s safety.

1. Snow Removal Services

Confirm who is responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks, driveways, and common areas. If the landlord is responsible, ask if they’ll provide regular snow removal or de-icing on icy days to ensure safe access. 

2. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

If you’re responsible for shoveling, ask your landlord to supply sidewalk-safe salt or ice melt. This is safer and prevents slips in common areas or near entryways. If not, prepare for icy conditions by grabbing sidewalk-safe salt or ice melt to keep outdoor areas clear and safe. These items can be found at a hardware store or supercenter. A snow shovel or sturdy brush is also helpful. These are not only Roommates' Safety Tips but also time-savers when rushing out the door.

3. Prep Your Car for Winter

Be sure your vehicle’s ready, too. Add an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, snacks, and a quality ice scraper and freeze-resistant wiper fluid. These little things can make a big difference for you and your roommates on the road.

4. Winterize Windows & Doors

Draft-proofing is an essential roommate's Winter Preparation tip to keep heating costs low. Use weather stripping, draft stoppers, or heavy curtains to keep cold air out and warmth in, creating a more comfortable home for everyone. You can ask your landlord if they will supply weather stripping or caulk for drafty doors or windows to help with insulation. This reduces energy bills and keeps the space warmer. Calking drafty gaps around windows and doors also prevents pests from accessing the space so that landlords may welcome the extra help! Some landlords may even install heavier curtains in colder months. If your apartment is older or in a particularly cold area, request storm windows or temporary window insulation film. These help prevent drafts and reduce heating costs significantly.

5. Optimize Your Heating System

Program the thermostat to a winter schedule and ensure vents or radiators are unobstructed for better warmth distribution. This will keep your roommates cozy and save on heating costs! You may want to ask your landlord if the heating system has been inspected and serviced recently. Regular maintenance ensures it’s efficient and ready for the colder months. Also, inquire about any guidelines for thermostat use to keep bills manageable and prevent system strain.

6. Prepare the Entryway for Wet Conditions

A boot tray by the door helps keep floors clean and dry, while designated storage for winter essentials—like hats, gloves, and scarves—keeps your entry organized and ready for the cold.

7. Be Ready for Power Outages

An essential Roommates Safety Tip: Have battery-operated flashlights and power banks for winter outages. It’s a simple way to stay prepared for unexpected issues. Power outages are more common in winter. Keep a handy basket containing contact information, extra batteries, portable chargers, candles, and a lighter in case of an unexpected power outage.

8. Safeguard Your Plumbing by Insulating Pipes

Protect pipes from freezing by dripping faucets on extremely cold nights and insulating exposed pipes in colder areas. Your landlord or property manager should have contacts in case of emergencies, which is a must-have for Roommates' Winter Preparation. Pipes in unheated areas, like basements, garages, or attics, are prone to freezing. Ask if the landlord can insulate exposed pipes or provide guidance on keeping them safe during extreme cold.

9. Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Detectors, and Fire Extinguishers

Confirm that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors have fresh batteries, as heating systems and gas appliances increase CO risks. If needed, ask if your landlord can install extra detectors. Ensure you know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them. If your landlord does not provide these items, investing in these life-saving appliances is in your best interest. Please note that the shelf life of some of these items may vary, so it is important to “test” them periodically in preparation for the next season

10. Space Heater Policy

If heating is limited, ask if there’s a policy on space heaters or if they recommend specific models. Some landlords have regulations for safe use, especially in multi-unit buildings.

11. Review Emergency Contacts

Winter is a great time to check in with your landlord or property manager and ensure all contact information is current. If snow removal is part of your rental responsibilities, research it so you won’t have to scramble after a heavy snowfall. Also, ensure you have updated emergency contacts for maintenance staff or preferred service providers.

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At Roommates.com, we understand adults' unique challenges when looking for temporary or short-term rentals. With years of experience helping people connect with the most compatible roommate or housing option, we're the trusted authority on finding a room that fits their specific needs.