Inclement weather can leave a lot of property damaged and even uninhabitable. In fact, in 2020 alone, billions of dollars of damage occurred as a result of record-breaking severe weather events.
If you're a landlord in an area impacted by storms, being prepared is the best thing you can do to keep your investment and your tenants safe.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about inclement weather prep for rental property.
Inclement Weather Prep for Rental Property Begins With Communication
As a landlord, you must be open and clear with your tenants. Inform your tenants about what your responsibilities are and what you expect them to do. Tenants are generally responsible for securing their own belongings, but protecting the property falls on the landlord.
Let your tenants know that power and other utilities may be out during and after the storm. You should complete emergency repairs as quickly as possible, but it may take time when a big storm impacts an entire community. Keep communicating with your tenants throughout the storm and the aftermath for the sake of everyone's peace of mind.
Speak with your insurance provider as well. Knowing exactly what your policy covers and the process for claims or reimbursement ahead of time will save you a lot of stress and energy later.
Prepare the Property
Securing the property is a big part of inclement weather preparation. There are several precautions you and your tenants can take to be as ready as possible.
Begin with the basics! You will need to bring in or tie down outdoor objects. Next, cover the windows with shutters or simple plywood to prevent them from shattering.
Even before a storm shows up on the radar, you can begin preparing for inclement weather! Make sure that drains and gutters are properly cleaned so that water can flow through without damage. Look for any tree branches that need to be removed and take care of them right away.
It's also a good idea to have a professional property inspector look over the house to note any problem areas that need to be repaired before a storm.
Take Pictures
Even the most prepared rental property could still suffer damages. Make sure you're ready to make insurance claims by taking pictures of your property before the storm hits.
Having pictures makes the insurance process faster and easier. It also helps with getting the largest possible reimbursement.
Don't forget to photograph the inside of the house as well. This is helpful in case of any flooding or leaking that may occur during the storm.
Protect Your Property Today
Inclement weather prep for rental property is especially important for protecting your investment. There is nothing you can do to prevent a severe storm from hitting your property. However, you can take steps to minimize damage and ensure the safety of your tenants!
Take action now to make sure your rental property safely makes it through inclement weather!
If you need help with your Folsum, California property management, learn more about our full-service company!
