Preventing Water Damage in Rental Properties

Owning and managing rental properties can be a lucrative business, depending on your location, and you don’t even have to run a large company in order to make money off of rentals. Many individuals and small property management businesses profit each year from rentals while providing a valuable service to the community.

Although rental units can be a good source of income, there are some risks involved in taking on the role of property manager. Among them, water damage is a top concern because water damage has the potential to strike out of nowhere and cause thousands of dollars or more in damage.

The Good News: You Can Prevent Water Damage

Thankfully, some simple steps to prevent water damage at rental properties can mitigate your risk. These steps protect your investments and can ensure your tenants remain happy and safe.

To learn how you can avoid a disaster, below are five steps to prevent water damage in rental properties:

1. Have Routine Inspections and Maintenance Performed

A preventive maintenance inspection for apartment or single-family rental units is one of the simplest and yet critical components in preventing water damage. Conducting regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs can be the difference between catching a water issue early and waking up to flooded units and damage.

During inspections and maintenance, make sure to check not just your pipes and plumbing but also the fixtures around your properties. Water heaters, washing machines, and more can all be sources of water damage, and even a small leak can erode the structural integrity of your rental units over time.

If you have recently experienced an abnormal event, such as a sudden overnight freeze, have inspections and maintenance performed as needed to look for burst pipes, water line leaks, and signs of water damage. With an inspection and maintenance plan in place alongside as-needed repairs, you’re less likely to experience a severe water event.

2. Educate Tenants and Employees

Knowing what to look for and how to handle water emergencies can also help reduce the risk of damage in your rental properties. Consider creating educational materials to provide to tenants that outline what to look for that may indicate water damage. You can also create helpful instructions on how to locate things like shut-off valves to shut off the water supply upon noticing a water emergency.

Any employees you have on-site as part of your management or maintenance teams can also be instructed on handling water emergencies and suspected damage. Early detection is often the key to preventing widespread damage, and implementing standardized procedures following a water emergency can also help keep tenants safe.

3. Install Prevention Devices

Flooding is a top concern for any residential property, but you can prevent water damage in rental properties by installing devices designed to mitigate this damage. For example, modern smart home automation systems can connect with flood sensors that immediately notify you of excess moisture detection.

Likewise, make sure you have adequate drainage in both interior and exterior areas around your rental properties. You can also consider placing flow limiters on taps throughout your rental units to restrict water flow and possibly prevent floods from overflowing sinks, tubs, and basins.

Taking these steps may require you to work with a plumbing professional to install additional interior drains or a landscaping professional to install exterior drains. However, you will gain peace of mind in knowing that your rental properties are less likely to experience water damage due to flooding.

4. Understand Your Insurance

As a property owner or manager, you almost certainly have landlord insurance for your rental units, but have you taken the time to look over your policy lately? Many property owners are shocked to discover that they don’t have flood insurance, and unfortunately, they discover this after a water incident causes damage.

Working with your insurance carrier now, before you experience a water damage incident, may make it easier to recoup losses in the event of the unthinkable. Plus, you can rest easy at night knowing where your properties stand regarding coverage.

5. Invest in Water Proofing

Lastly, you’re encouraged to invest in waterproofing around areas prone to water damage. These can include low-lying areas that may be affected by excess rainfall, patios, decks, exposed foundations, community areas, and more.

Waterproofing solutions can be applied to just about any surface as a preventative measure against moisture damage. Some waterproofing materials are also slip-resistant, making them a good choice for outdoor areas like pools.

Have a Plan to Tackle Water Damage

Although each of the tips covered above can be effective preventative measures to reduce the risk of water damage, the real key is to have a comprehensive plan to deal with water damage. When foundations, walls, and flooring become saturated with water or repeatedly exposed to moisture over time, they can start to experience rot and mold growth. These problems can affect structural stability, safety, and the health of your tenants and employees.

With a plan in place, you’re more likely to stave off water damage before it occurs, and if it does occur, you’re more likely to catch and stop it faster. If you’re finding it difficult to put together such a plan, consider partnering with a professional to brainstorm ideas. A water damage, mitigation, and repair expert can offer personalized ideas about preventing water damage in rental properties and getting things back in order quickly in the event that your rental properties experience water damage.

Contact West Coast Deck Waterproofing to Learn How Easy It Can Be to Protect Your Rental Properties

At West Coast Deck Waterproofing, we specialize in commercial waterproofing solutions that offer lasting protection and peace of mind. If you have rental properties that could use some serious security to avoid water damage, contact our experts today.