If you rent in Midland, Michigan, you already know: winter is serious business. Subzero wind chills, lake-effect snow, and long cold snaps can be tough on both you and your rental home.
Without a plan, things like frozen pipes, furnace issues, and slippery steps can turn into expensive emergencies and a whole lot of stress. With the right winter rental tips in Midland, MI, most of these problems are preventable.
This guide gives you:
- A quick renter checklist you can follow all winter
- Clear explanations of what you’re responsible for vs. what your landlord handles
- Simple steps to prevent frozen pipes in a rental
- What to do in a true winter emergency
💡 Tip: Always review your lease and your property’s Maintenance Request page (link to your maintenance form) for the most accurate, up-to-date instructions for your specific home.
- Quick Winter Rental Checklist for Midland Renters
- Why Midland, MI Rentals Need Extra Winter Care
- Understand Your Winter Responsibilities as a Renter
- Pre-Winter Inspection for Your Midland Rental
- How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in a Rental
- Early Warning Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen
- What To Do If a Pipe Bursts or You Find a Major Leak
- Winter Safety Beyond Frozen Pipes
- Winter Maintenance: What Counts as an Emergency?
- How to Submit a Strong Winter Maintenance Request
- FAQ – Winter Rentals in Midland, MI
- What temperature should I keep my thermostat at in winter?
- Can I turn my heat way down if I’m gone for a weekend?
- Who is responsible for snow and ice removal?
- What should I do if I wake up and there’s no water?
- Can I cover my windows with plastic film or insulation?
- Are humidifiers okay to use in winter?
- I’m not sure if my situation is an emergency. What should I do?
- Stay Warm, Protect Your Home, and Avoid Winter Emergencies
Quick Winter Rental Checklist for Midland Renters
If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this checklist. These are the everyday habits that keep a Midland MI rental home safe in winter.
Daily / Weekly Winter Checklist
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 65°F during cold snaps
- Never turn the heat off in winter—even if you’re away
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during very cold nights
- Let at-risk faucets drip slowly when temps are forecast below ~20°F
- Keep interior doors open so heat can circulate through the whole home
- Check for drafts around windows and doors and block them if needed
- Watch for early warning signs: slow drains, strange furnace noises, or low water pressure
- Submit a maintenance request quickly if something seems off
Why Midland, MI Rentals Need Extra Winter Care
Midland winters include:
- Extended periods below freezing
- Freeze–thaw cycles that stress pipes, roofing, and concrete
- Heavy snow and ice that can impact roofs, gutters, driveways, and steps
In a rental home, you and your landlord share responsibility:
- Your landlord or property manager keeps systems like the furnace and plumbing in safe, working condition.
- You use the home in a reasonable way and report problems before they turn into emergencies.
If a pipe freezes because the heat was turned off for days, many leases treat that as tenant-caused damage. Taking winter seriously protects both you and the property.
Understand Your Winter Responsibilities as a Renter
What your landlord or property manager usually handles
While every lease is different, landlords typically handle:
- Keeping the furnace, water heater, and plumbing systems maintained
- Repairing or replacing systems that fail due to normal wear and tear
- Addressing true emergencies, such as:
- No heat in winter
- Burst pipes or major leaks
- Electrical hazards
- Sewage backups
They’re responsible for making the home habitable and safe.
What renters are usually responsible for
As a renter in a Midland MI rental home, you’re usually expected to:
- Keep the heat on at a minimum temperature specified in your lease (commonly 60°F or higher)
- Use the home reasonably (for example, not opening windows with the furnace running, not using ovens for heat)
- Report issues quickly via the maintenance request system
- Follow any winter-specific rules in your lease, such as:
- Shoveling certain sidewalks or steps
- Not using specific types of salt that damage concrete
- Safe use of space heaters
When in doubt, check your lease or reach out to your landlord before winter hits.
You can also read more in our Tenant vs. Landlord Maintenance Responsibilities guide.
Pre-Winter Inspection for Your Midland Rental
Before the first hard freeze, take 30–60 minutes to walk through your home and get it ready for winter.
Inside your home
- Find your thermostat settings
- If it’s programmable, set a basic winter schedule (e.g., 68–70°F when home, 65°F at night).
- Replace batteries if it uses them.
- Locate your main water shut-off valve
- Usually in the basement, mechanical room, or near where the water line enters the home.
- If you can’t find it, ask your landlord or property manager during business hours.
- Check around windows and doors
- Make sure windows are fully closed and latched.
- Use a draft stopper or rolled towel at the bottom of drafty doors.
- Close blinds/curtains at night to keep heat in.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Press the test button on each alarm.
- If a detector chirps or doesn’t work, submit a maintenance request right away.
Outside your home (if applicable)
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Drain and store hoses.
- Make sure no hose is left attached to an exterior spigot—this is a classic cause of frozen pipes inside the wall.
- Ask about exterior faucet shut-offs
- Some homes have inside shut-offs for outdoor spigots.
- If your landlord wants them turned off for winter, they’ll usually handle it or give you instructions.
- Plan for snow and ice
- Clarify who is responsible for driveway, sidewalk, and step shoveling.
- If it’s you, pick up a shovel and pet-safe ice melt before the first storm.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in a Rental
Frozen pipes are a big winter problem in Midland—and one of the top reasons renters suddenly have water damage.
Everyday habits to reduce your risk
During cold spells, especially when temperatures are forecast below about 20°F:
- Keep the thermostat steady
- Avoid big temperature swings (like 75°F daytime and 55°F at night).
- A steady 65–70°F is safer for your pipes and more efficient.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Kitchen and bathroom sinks against exterior walls are high-risk areas.
- Opening cabinet doors lets warmer room air reach the pipes.
- Let certain faucets drip
- For sinks on exterior walls, turn on cold water to a slow, steady drip on very cold nights.
- Moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Keep interior doors open
- Don’t shut off entire sections of the home.
- Open bedroom and bathroom doors so heat circulates evenly.
- Avoid unsafe heating methods
- Don’t use ovens or stovetops as heaters.
- Use space heaters safely (more on that below).
If you’ll be away from your Midland rental
Winter trips are common. Just don’t give your pipes a chance to freeze while you’re gone.
Before you leave:
- Do not turn the furnace off.
- Set the thermostat to at least 60°F (or the minimum in your lease).
- Open interior doors so heat can reach all rooms.
- Open cabinet doors under at-risk sinks.
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check the home if you’ll be gone during an extreme cold snap.
If your lease or landlord has specific instructions for winter travel, follow those first.
Early Warning Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen
Catching a frozen pipe early can prevent a burst and a major clean-up.
Common warning signs:
- A faucet that suddenly stops working or has almost no water flow
- A toilet that won’t refill after flushing
- Pipes in unheated areas (like a basement or crawlspace) that feel very cold or look frosty
- Strange noises—banging, clanking, or gurgling—in the walls during a hard freeze
If you notice any of these:
- Leave the faucet on (a trickle is good).
- Turn the thermostat up a few degrees and open nearby cabinet doors.
- Check other faucets in the home to see if the issue is isolated or widespread.
- Contact maintenance right away and describe what you’re seeing.
Don’t try to thaw pipes with an open flame, blowtorch, or propane heater. It’s dangerous and can damage the plumbing and home.
What To Do If a Pipe Bursts or You Find a Major Leak
A burst pipe is a true emergency. Fast action matters.
- Shut off the water, if you can do so safely
- Use the main water shut-off valve or a local shut-off under a sink or near a toilet.
- Protect your belongings
- Move furniture, electronics, and rugs out of the affected area.
- Contain the water if possible
- Place buckets under active drips.
- Use towels to slow spreading water.
- Contact emergency maintenance immediately
- Use the emergency number listed in your lease or on your landlord’s website.
- Explain that you have an active water leak or burst pipe.
- Document the situation
- Take photos or short videos of the leak and visible damage.
- Note the date and time.
If water is near electrical outlets, lights, or you see sparking/smell burning, leave the area and call 911.
Winter Safety Beyond Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes aren’t the only winter risk. Here are other key winter rental tips in Midland MI to stay safe and comfortable.
Using space heaters safely
Space heaters can help with cold spots, but they’re also a common fire hazard.
- Choose UL-listed space heaters with modern safety features (tip-over and overheat protection).
- Keep them at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and pets.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet, never a power strip or extension cord.
- Turn them off before bed and when you leave the room.
- Don’t leave a space heater running in a closed room for hours.
If your lease restricts space heaters, follow those rules first.
Snow and ice removal at your Midland rental
Snow and ice can create slip hazards and code issues.
- Check your lease for who shovels what:
- Driveways
- Front walkways
- Steps and porches
- If it’s your responsibility:
- Shovel after storms to keep paths clear.
- Use ice melt or sand to reduce slipping.
- If your landlord handles snow removal but misses your area, give it a reasonable amount of time, then contact management if it becomes unsafe.
Parking during winter weather
- Park only in designated spaces so plow trucks can clear the driveway or lot.
- Avoid parking along the road where city plows might need access.
- Follow any posted rules about snow emergency routes.
Winter Maintenance: What Counts as an Emergency?
It helps to know what your landlord considers an emergency versus a standard maintenance request.
Usually considered a winter emergency:
- No heat when outside temperatures are near or below freezing
- Active water leak or suspected burst pipe
- Sewage backup into sinks, tubs, or toilets
- Electrical hazards: sparks, burning smells, or partial power failure
Usually not an emergency (but still important):
- A slow drip in a sink where pipes are not at risk of freezing
- A single outlet not working (if others in the room work)
- Drafty windows (submit a request, but not 3 a.m. emergency)
- Minor cosmetic issues like loose cabinet hardware or small drywall cracks
When you’re unsure, it’s okay to:
- Check your lease or Maintenance Request page for guidelines
- Call the emergency maintenance line and calmly ask if your situation qualifies
How to Submit a Strong Winter Maintenance Request
Clear information helps your landlord respond faster.
When you submit a non-emergency maintenance request, include:
- Your full name and property address
- A specific description of the issue
- When you first noticed it and whether it’s getting worse
- Any steps you’ve already taken (e.g., “opened cabinet doors,” “turned up thermostat”)
- Photos or short videos if possible
- The best phone number and times to reach you
Example of a strong request:
“Kitchen sink on the north wall has very low water pressure this morning after a very cold night. Bathroom sinks are normal. Cabinet doors are open and thermostat is set to 68°F. No visible leaks. Started today at 7 a.m.”
Compare that to:
“Sink broken. Come soon.”
The first one helps maintenance decide if this might be the start of a frozen pipe and how urgent it is.
FAQ – Winter Rentals in Midland, MI
What temperature should I keep my thermostat at in winter?
For most Midland MI rental homes, 68–70°F when you’re home and at least 60–65°F when you’re away is a good range. Never turn the heat off during winter.
Can I turn my heat way down if I’m gone for a weekend?
No. Turning the heat off or way down in winter is one of the quickest ways to cause frozen pipes in a rental. Keep it at least 60°F unless your lease specifies a different minimum.
Who is responsible for snow and ice removal?
It depends on your lease. Some landlords handle all snow removal. Others expect renters to clear steps, porches, or driveways. Check your lease or ask your property manager before the first storm.
What should I do if I wake up and there’s no water?
First, test water at other faucets.
- If only one faucet is affected, it may be a localized frozen pipe.
- If the whole home has no water, it could be a main line or city issue.
Leave affected faucets dripping, keep the home warm, and contact maintenance right away to report the problem.
Can I cover my windows with plastic film or insulation?
Often yes, but always check with your landlord first. Temporary window film can help with drafts, but some leases have rules about adhesives or tape on frames.
Are humidifiers okay to use in winter?
Usually. Many renters use small humidifiers to combat dry winter air. Just:
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Don’t let water sit in the tank for days (mold risk)
- Avoid over-humidifying rooms, which can cause condensation on windows
I’m not sure if my situation is an emergency. What should I do?
If there’s no heat, an active leak, a sewage backup, or an electrical hazard, treat it as an emergency and call your emergency maintenance number.
For other issues, submit a standard maintenance request with detailed information and photos if you can.
Stay Warm, Protect Your Home, and Avoid Winter Emergencies
Midland winters aren’t going anywhere—but with the right winter rental tips in Midland MI, you can:
- Keep your home warm and comfortable
- Dramatically reduce your risk of frozen pipes and water damage
- Know when and how to contact maintenance
- Understand your role vs. your landlord’s responsibilities
If you have questions about your specific Midland MI rental home, or you’re unsure how to handle a winter issue, visit our Maintenance Request page or contact our office.
We’re here to help you stay safe, warm, and worry-free all winter long.