Winters in the Richmond Metro area, including the City of Richmond and Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover Counties, are usually manageable until a cold snap or ice event compresses the timeline and small issues escalate. Winterizing is not about perfection. It is about preventing the most common winter failures in rentals: frozen pipes, water damage, no-heat situations, slip hazards, and avoidable fire risk.
For residents who want one place to start, bookmark Resident Resources, which includes portal access and maintenance request tools.
Table of Contents
Winterizing Priorities That Matter Most
Why Winterizing Matters in Richmond Rentals
Stop Drafts and Heat Loss First
Heating System Basics That Prevent Breakdowns
Frozen Pipe Prevention That Actually Works
Outdoor Spigots and Hoses
Space Heaters and Winter Fire Safety
Ice, Walkways, and Slip Hazards
Power Outages and Storm Readiness
What to Report Immediately
FAQs
Next Step
Winterizing Priorities That Matter Most
Most winter damage is not random. It follows predictable patterns.
If time is limited, prioritize these:
Keeping the home warm enough during freezing nights
Preventing frozen pipes in vulnerable areas
Reducing drafts that make the heating system work harder
Using heat sources safely
Reporting early warning signs before they become emergencies
Why Winterizing Matters in Richmond Rentals
Richmond winters bring a mix of mild days and freezing nights, plus the occasional ice or snow event. Those patterns can cause:
Frozen Pipes during short cold snaps, especially in older homes
Higher Heating Bills when homes are drafty or insulation is marginal
Icy Conditions on steps and walkways during freezing rain
Power Outages during storms, which landlords cannot control
Winter prep helps residents stay safe and comfortable, and it also reduces avoidable damage that can disrupt the home.
Stop Drafts and Heat Loss First
Drafts make a home uncomfortable, increase heating costs, and push heating systems harder during the exact weeks they are most likely to fail.
Quick improvements that usually work in rentals:
Weather-stripping or foam tape at drafty doors and windows
Window insulation film on older windows
Draft stoppers at exterior doors
Thermal curtains at night
Rugs or runners on cold floors
Small, inexpensive steps like these can make a big difference, especially in older Richmond-area homes.
If certain rooms never warm up, that is not just “old house behavior.” It can be a sign of airflow issues, weak insulation, or a system that is struggling and should be reported.
Heating System Basics That Prevent Breakdowns
Heating problems often start with airflow, filters, and blocked vents.
Replace Filters on Schedule (If Assigned in the Lease)
If filter replacement is assigned to residents in the lease, stick to the required schedule. A clogged filter restricts airflow and can cause poor heating performance. If the filter becomes unusually dirty quickly or the home is not heating evenly, report it.
Keep Vents and Returns Clear
Blocked vents and returns can make a working system feel broken. Keep furniture, rugs, and heavy curtains from covering vents and returns.
Use a Steady Thermostat Strategy
Big swings in thermostat settings can be harder on older systems. A steady baseline tends to work better during a cold snap than aggressive up-and-down adjustments.
If the home cannot hold temperature, the system short-cycles, or there are unusual noises or odors, report it promptly.
Frozen Pipe Prevention That Actually Works
Frozen pipes are one of the highest-cost winter events because a freeze can become a burst, then water damage.
Many sources note pipe freezing risk increases around the low 20s Fahrenheit, though it can happen above that depending on insulation and exposure.
Know the High-Risk Locations
Pipes are most vulnerable when they run through:
Exterior walls
Crawl spaces
Garages
Attics
Cabinets on exterior walls (kitchen and bathroom sinks are common)
Older homes and homes with previous freeze history deserve extra caution.
Keep the Home Heated During Freeze Windows
If the temperature is forecast to drop below freezing overnight, keep the home heated. Turning the heat off completely can create avoidable risk, especially if plumbing runs through colder zones.
If leaving town during a cold spell, keep the thermostat set to a reasonable baseline rather than shutting the system down.
Open Cabinet Doors Under Exterior-Wall Sinks
If a sink is on an exterior wall, opening the cabinet door allows warmer room air to reach the plumbing.
Let Vulnerable Faucets Drip During Hard Freezes
During prolonged cold, a thin, steady trickle can reduce freeze risk in vulnerable lines because moving water is less likely to freeze. This is most useful for fixtures connected to exposed or unheated plumbing runs, not every faucet in the home.
Know the Early Warning Signs
Report quickly if any of these occur:
A faucet slows to a trickle or stops
Water pressure drops suddenly
A pipe area looks frosty, bulged, or unusually damp
A strong musty or “wet drywall” odor appears
You see ceiling staining, bubbling paint, or wet spots near baseboards
Fast reporting can be the difference between a simple repair and a major disruption.
Outdoor Spigots and Hoses
Outdoor spigots are common freeze points when hoses remain connected.
Best practice:
Disconnect garden hoses
Drain hoses and store them indoors
Use an insulated faucet cover if permitted and helpful
If unsure how the home’s exterior water is configured, ask early rather than guessing.
Space Heaters and Winter Fire Safety
Space heaters are not permitted under the lease due to fire risk. Winter comfort should come from improving heat retention and airflow, not adding high-draw heating devices that increase risk.
Safer ways to stay warmer in a rental:
Thermal curtains at night
Draft sealing at doors and windows (weather-stripping, insulation film, draft stoppers)
Rugs on cold floors
Keeping vents and returns clear
Maintaining a steady thermostat strategy during cold snaps
If the home is not staying warm enough, the right next step is a documented maintenance request so the heating system can be evaluated and the issue can be triaged properly.
Ice, Walkways, and Slip Hazards
Richmond winters often produce freezing rain. That creates slip hazards even when there is little snow.
If the lease assigns snow and ice care to residents:
Clear steps and walkways early to prevent refreezing
Use ice melt or traction sand where appropriate
Avoid piling snow near the foundation, where meltwater can pool and refreeze
If the lease does not assign that responsibility, report hazards promptly rather than trying to solve everything alone.
Power Outages and Storm Readiness
Ice storms can cause outages. Preparation reduces risk and stress.
Keep on hand:
Flashlights and batteries
Warm blankets and layered clothing
A portable phone charger
A basic supply of water and non-perishable food
Avoid using open flames for light or heat during outages. If heat is lost and indoor temperatures drop quickly, report it through the normal emergency process.
Freeze Window Checklist
Use this quick checklist when Richmond temperatures drop.
When Overnight Lows Are Below Freezing (32°F and Lower)
Keep heat on a steady baseline
Close drafts as much as possible
Check vulnerable sink cabinets and open doors if needed
When A Hard Freeze Is Forecast (Mid-20s and Lower)
Open exterior-wall sink cabinets
Let a vulnerable faucet drip lightly if recommended for that home
Confirm hoses are disconnected from outdoor spigots
When A Prolonged Freeze Is Forecast (Low-20s or Colder for Multiple Nights)
Increase attention to water pressure changes and slow-flow fixtures
Report weak heat or inability to hold temperature early
Watch for ceiling staining or musty odors after storms
If unsure what applies to the home, send a message early rather than guessing.
What Not to Do in Winter
Do not use space heaters. They are not permitted under the lease due to fire risk.
Do not shut off heat when leaving town during a cold spell.
Do not ignore ceiling stains, musty odors, or slow leaks after storms.
Do not wait on no-heat or suspected freezing. Those timelines escalate fast.
What to Report Immediately
Winter problems escalate on timelines. Reporting early is not “complaining.” It is preventing damage.
Report immediately when any of these occur:
No heat, or the home cannot maintain a safe baseline temperature
Active leaks, ceiling stains, wet drywall, or damp flooring
A faucet that stops flowing, severe pressure drop, or signs of freezing
Electrical burning smell, sparking, or repeated breaker trips
Storm damage, fallen limbs contacting the roof, or suspected roof leaks
A safety hazard such as a loose handrail or severe ice buildup
For non-emergency issues, the cleanest path is a documented request through the portal so it is tracked from the start.
FAQs
At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?
Risk increases during prolonged exposure around the low 20s Fahrenheit, though freezing can happen above that depending on insulation, wind exposure, and where pipes are located.
Should Faucets Be Left Dripping?
A thin trickle can help protect vulnerable lines during hard freezes, especially where pipes run through unheated areas or exterior walls.
What If the Heat Is Not Working?
Report it immediately. No-heat situations can escalate quickly during a cold snap.
What If There Is a Leak After a Storm?
Report it immediately. Water intrusion is time-sensitive and often causes secondary damage when delayed.
Are Space Heaters Allowed?
No. Space heaters are not permitted under the lease due to fire risk. If the home is not staying warm enough, the right next step is to reduce drafts and improve heat retention (weather-stripping, insulation film, thermal curtains) and submit a documented maintenance request so the heating system can be evaluated and the issue can be triaged properly.
Next Step
Winterizing is mostly early action: reduce drafts, protect plumbing during freeze windows, use heat safely, and report early warning signs before they become disruptions.
