Preventing and Minimizing Water Damage from Flooding

by Siobhan Cerney


Posted on 2019-10-09 20:17:01


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Preventing and Minimizing Water Damage from Flooding

 

Predicting when water damage will occur in your rental property is not always simple, but there are a couple of ways that you prevent water damage or minimize the damage. One of the most common reasons for water damages is flooding. Here are a couple of tips to prevent and minimize water damage costs.

  1. Familiarize yourself with the area of your rental

Knowing which rental property is in a flood zone will help minimize the damage. There are online databases that have information regarding properties flood risks, such as FEMA. Preparing the tenants for the flooding by providing sandbags and other necessary items to minimize the damage as well. Before purchasing a property, do some research on the area to see if there is a history of flooding in the area. If it is possible, avoid properties that have a high flood risk.

  1. Know your responsibilities as a landlord

When renting out a property in a flood zone, be sure to inform the tenants it will be in their best interest to get renter’s insurance that covers flooding. As for the landlord, having a homeowner’s insurance that covers flooding is necessary. Once it is confirmed there is flooding occurring in the property, the landlord must report it to the insurance company immediately. Landlords should check the homeowner’s insurance each spring before the rainy season to see what is covered by the policy.

  1. Be Quick to Response

In order to minimize the damage, the tenant needs to inform you as soon as they realize the property has flooded. The faster the landlord reacts, there is a chance of less damage. The issue with flooding is not the initial water coming into the property, it is when the water has drained. Mold can occur with 48 hours in a wet and humid place. The property needs to be inspected by maintenance in order to assess the damage. The drywall may need to be replaced and mold will need to be removed. If this is not done right after the water recedes, the damage cost will be much more.

  1. Check Weather Forecasts

Heavy rains are the cause of most flooding. Checking the forecast, and seeing when heavy rains are predicted will help with preparedness. Warning the tenants before flooding occurs will make them more alert, and they will contact you as soon as the flooding begins. It will also prepare maintenance, so they are ready to go to the property as soon as the work order is created. They can inspect the unit and see if the drywall needs to replaced or prevent mold from growing.


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