Water damage is a costly problem that no landlord ever wants to face. According to the Insurance Information Institute, from 2017 to 2021, water damage (including freezing) accounted for nearly 25% of all homeowners loss claims, second only to wind and hail damage. Water damage is particularly pervasive since it often causes thousands in damage before ever being noticed, and often requires removing floors or walls to fully diagnose and repair. So what can a savvy landlord or property manager do to prevent water damage in tenant-occupied properties? At Douglas Realty Property Management, we believe in educating our tenants on the dangers of water damage and how to identify it as early as possible. This focus on proactive measures can help safeguard properties while also minimizing costs.
Tenant Education
As stated above, we prioritize educating our tenants on the dangers of water damage to their rental units and how to spot water damage early. This includes being on the lookout for signs of leaks, damp walls or ceilings, or excess moisture. We also make sure the tenant understands how to properly report a water damage issue to us. By finding and reporting these issues early, the problem can be addressed before it becomes an issue affecting the habitability of the rental unit.
We also educate tenants on the proper use of all appliances and drains. Simple rules like not throwing inappropriate items down the sink or toilet, not overfilling a washing machine, and not pouring grease down a drain are all important when it comes to preventing water damage.
Another crucial aspect of tenant education is what to do in case of an emergency, such as a broken main water line. When water is gushing into a living space, there’s no time to wait for the maintenance request line to return a call, so we make sure tenants know how to report these emergency issues to us so we can resolve them immediately. We also show tenants upon move in where the main water shut-off valve for their rental is located and how to turn it off.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
In addition to tenant vigilance, we also conduct regular inspections on all rental units we manage. These inspections include checks for water damage and regular maintenance tasks on all appliances. If the landlord chooses, they can opt for additional inspections during the year-long lease period, further ensuring that their property does not fall victim to the effects of long-term water damage. If our inspector notices any water-related issues during the inspection, repairs will be made as soon as possible.
Safe Decorating and Renovation Practices
An extra step we take here at Douglas is to request that tenants always notify us before any type of renovation or major decorating. This serves two purposes – giving us a chance to check with the landlord and be sure they are okay with the proposed changes and allowing us to inform the tenant about any water lines located within walls, ceilings, or floors, hopefully preventing any accidental punctures or damage.
Worried About Water Damage at Your Southwest Florida Rental Properties?
As a landlord, it’s completely normal to be worried about water damage and its potential effects on your rental properties. By following the recommendations outlined in this post, with a heavy focus on tenant education, you can get ahead of water damage and try to minimize the cost of repairs. If you’re tired of dealing with the day-to-day issues that come along with managing rental properties here in southwest Florida, Douglas Realty Property Management is here to help. We have a tried-and-true process for identifying, diagnosing, and repairing water damage with the urgency that it deserves. For more information on our premier property management services in southwest Florida, call us at 239-542-6906 or message us online.
