Preventing and Fixing Water Damage

Apartment Water Damage

Unless you’re living under a rock, or maybe even then, you will have noticed that this spring has been extra damp. With all the rain coming in this season, you might be in danger of or have already faced some water damage in your apartment units. Water damage can seriously lower the value of your property, so it’s important to know ways to prevent and fix deterioration.

Make sure your tenant knows they are responsible for any property damage present, after they move in. They should be moving into an apartment in top condition. As long as they are, you can record the condition of the property, with them present. You should also, give them every reason to believe, if they don’t inflict damage to the unit, that they will get their security deposit back.
Regularly inspect the property. You can catch problems early on, this way, while also communicating to the tenant, how important it is that the property is kept in excellent shape.
Respond diligently to repair requests. By doing this, tenants will know to report a problem as soon as it comes up.
Watch for utility spikes. These may indicate a faulty system that should be checked immediately.
Replace aging appliances. Most washers, water heaters, and dishwashers last at least 10 years, but beyond that, they should be monitored and replaced before any major malfunctions occur. Also, routinely check for cracked or damaged hoses and connections.
After storms or heavy rain, analyze the property for roof damage, clogged gutters, and poor drainage that can leak into the foundation. Also, check for cracked slabs and foundations where heavy water or melted snow can infiltrate the building.
Encourage your tenants to carry renter’s insurance. This will benefit you because they won’t ask you to reimburse them for damage that they caused. Tenants will also understand their role in maintaining the condition of the property.
Seasonalize your property. To avoid pipe bursts, the heat should be turned on during the winter, even in vacant units. At extremely low temperatures, encourage your tenants to leave their faucets dripping.
Insulate your water pipes. Whether it is a sprinkler pipe, hot pipe, or cold pipe, insulation is a must. By wrapping your pipe lines, you can save energy and water, while preventing depreciation.
Check for HVAC system blockages. A drain that moves condensation from the HVAC system, when plugged, will let water seep through ceilings or in between walls, creating mold. If this does happen, call a heating and air professional to blow out the clogged line so the water moves away from the unit.
Check sewage systems. Tree roots can invade your sewage line and cause messy backup, so one preventative measure is to hire a specialist to annually clean roots out of the line.

If you are irresponsible with upkeep, your tenants could prove negligence, and if the damage is extensive enough, the tenant could have the right to cancel the lease. This process will create extra hassle for both of you. In addition to the property, your reputation could suffer.

Being proactive with your water control will save you and your tenants, time and money, while keeping everyone happy.