There are many things that you’ll want to do in-between tenants.   Although not fun, these activities will help maintain your property and potentially save you from expensive repairs:

• Look over the structure for cracks and gaps
• Look for signs of termites (like mud-looking tunnels around the base of the structure) and other critters.  Check for openings that mice can fit through.
• Trim trees and bushes so that they do not touch the house.  Cut branches that overhang the roof or possibly interfere with power lines
• Run the sprinkler system and check for issues.  Also wrap the sprinkler system pipes that are above-ground to prevent damage from freezes.  If time allows, make a chart of the different zones for each setting
• Notice the drainage in the yard.  Make sure that water runs away from the house and address problem areas.
• Clean out gutters.  Make sure that the gutter system is sloped correctly and water runs away from the house.  Check for leaks.
• If it’s been a few years, or you’ve been hit by a major storm, hire a roofer to check for damage and seal gaps in the roof
• Is the fencing in good condition?  Check for broken boards and nail pops.
• Make sure that windows aren’t leaking and that doors seal properly
• Clean mildew and wash windows
• Power wash the driveway and sidewalks, and possibly the house
• Fill in cracks in the driveway and sidewalks
• Give the yard a “weed and feed”