No landlord wants to contemplate the devastation a burglary or natural disaster could inflict on their rental property. Unfortunately, no property is entirely safe from emergencies. The good news is that landlords can avert or minimize many crises through education and planning. While every area or property presents unique risk factors, here are some ideas to help every landlord prepare themselves and their tenants.
Take Preventive Measures.
Disasters can arise no matter how cautious a landlord is, but preventive measures are still the best way to minimize damage, maintain safety, and keep problems from escalating. Before new tenants move in, analyze the unit for potential hazards. Anything from an outdated appliance to a loose railing or a tree that’s too close to the building might bear investigation. Once renters are settled in, schedule periodic inspections to spot leaks, cracks, or other damage that could worsen over time.
Educate Tenants.
When an emergency hits, your tenants will encounter the situation first-hand. Creating an emergency response plan educates your renters to handle a variety of circumstances appropriately. Your plan should include contact details for the landlord or property manager, emergency exits and nearby shelter locations, and phone numbers for local first responders. And to avoid confusion, specify what problems deserve a middle-of-the-night call versus a next-day response as well as when tenants should dial 911. Tenants should receive a copy of the emergency response plan upon move-in, and reminders might be beneficial during high-risk times.
Plan Ahead.
In the midst of a crisis, time is of the essence when protecting your property and your tenants. So, stay organized and prepared! Compile a list of go-to contractors, including plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, HVAC technicians, and masons. Make the list readily available electronically or have multiple copies accessible from any location. Maintaining organized, up-to-date information on your units and renters can help first responders significantly. During an emergency, they may need to enter a property using a code or extra key or confirm that all residents have made it safely out of the building. And verifying that you and your renters have sufficient insurance will protect you from any potential disaster.
When a tenant reaches out about emergency maintenance, don’t delay! A fast response will make the tenant feel cared for and minimize potential damage to your property. And that result is a win-win for everyone.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is wholly dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
