North Dakota winters are legendary. With temperatures dropping well below zero and blizzards that can last for days, keeping your rental home comfortable and safe requires some preparation.
Keep the Heat Flowing
Never set your thermostat below 55°F, even when you’re away. This prevents pipes from freezing, which can cause serious water damage. If you notice cold drafts, let your property manager know.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
On extremely cold nights (below -20°F), let your faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes. If you’ll be away for an extended period, keep the heat on and ask a neighbor to check on your apartment.
Clear Snow and Ice Responsibly
Check your lease for snow removal responsibilities. In many apartments, the landlord handles parking lots and sidewalks, but you may be responsible for your own walkway or patio area.
Test Smoke and CO Detectors
Winter means increased use of heating systems, which raises the risk of carbon monoxide issues. Test your smoke and CO detectors monthly.
Report Issues Early
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a big problem. At Pederson Realty, we handle maintenance requests promptly because we know how critical it is in winter.

