As a property manager in Virginia, preparing your rental units for inclement weather is a must, especially when winter is just around the corner. Not only does adequate preparation protect your investments, but it also minimizes potential damage and helps maintain tenant safety. Throughout the year, Virginia experiences diverse weather patterns and events, and proactive weatherproofing makes it so that you don’t have to tackle repairs on top of bad weather.
Check out this guide to preparing your Virginia rental property for inclement weather.
Conduct a Thorough Property Inspection
Before a potentially stormy or rough season starts, you’ll need to conduct a thorough inspection of the property in question. Take time to identify any potential vulnerabilities and areas that should be maintained or repaired. Don’t forget about:
- Roof and Gutters: Make sure no shingles are missing or damaged, then clean out all of the gutters to prevent water buildup, which could lead to roof leaks later on.
- Windows and Doors: Check for gaps, cracks, or weatherstripping that needs repair. Sealing windows and doors can help keep cold air out and prevent water from seeping in during storms.
- Foundation and Basement: Examine the foundation for cracks or signs of water infiltration. Also, if your property has a basement, take a moment to ensure the sump pumps are working properly.
- Outdoor Areas: Inspect the fences, decks, porches, and exterior lighting fixtures around the property. Secure any loose structures or objects that could become a hazard during high winds or heavy rain.
Regular inspections make it easier to address small issues before they become far more serious problems.
Prepare for Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Hurricanes and tropical storms are not an uncommon concern for property owners and managers, especially those in coastal areas. Even for properties farther inland, preparing for severe storms is a wise move.
Try the following:
- Storm Shutters and Window Protection: If your property is in an area prone to storms, consider installing storm shutters. These can prevent damage from flying debris, especially shattered windows. Impact-resistant glass is also worth considering.
- Reinforce Entry Points: Strengthen doors, garage doors, and windows to withstand strong winds, and as mentioned above, make sure each entry point is well-sealed. Secure any loose materials like roof tiles, outdoor furniture, and tools that could be thrown around in a storm.
- Emergency Supplies: Though not required, it’s a good idea to make sure your tenants have the supplies they might need during an emergency. Adding a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the unit is a good start, but you should also encourage your tenants to stock up on water, blankets, batteries, a flashlight, and non-perishable food. It’s also helpful to keep sandbags on hand to manage potential flooding.
- Evacuation and Safety Plan: Create an evacuation plan for your tenants, especially if the property is in a mandatory evacuation zone. Make sure everyone knows how to reach you and provide guidance on local shelters.
Winterizing Your Property for Snow and Ice
Winters in Virginia can bring freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, each of which poses challenges for landlords and property managers. To prepare the finer elements of your rental property for winter weather, take the following steps:
- Insulate Pipes: Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and water damage. Insulate any exposed pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Inspect the Heating System: Schedule an HVAC inspection before the winter season. Ensure the furnace, heat pump, or boiler is functioning properly, and clean or replace the filters regularly.
- Snow Removal Plan: Have a snow removal plan in place to keep driveways, walkways, and parking lots clear of snow and ice. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to make sure tenants have safe access to the property during winter storms.
- De-Icing Materials: Stock up on salt, sand, or commercial de-icing products to treat slippery surfaces. These materials can help prevent accidents and make walkways safer for tenants. If your tenants have not yet experienced the winter season in your unit, it’s wise to warn them about areas that tend to be icy.
Flood Preparedness
Flooding is a risk in many parts of Virginia, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with heavy rainfall. Even if your property isn’t in a floodplain, flash flooding from storms can still cause extensive damage. Here’s how to reduce flood risks:
- Improve Drainage: Make sure the property’s drainage systems are functioning correctly. Direct water away from the foundation to reduce the chance of flooding.
- Waterproof the Basement: If your rental property has a basement, consider adding waterproofing measures such as sealing walls and floors or using drainage mats to prevent water from pooling.
- Flood Insurance: Verify that your property insurance covers flood damage. Many standard insurance policies don’t include flood protection, so consider additional coverage if your property is in a high-risk area.
- Emergency Response Plan: Create a flood emergency plan for tenants, and provide them with instructions on how to evacuate and protect personal belongings. Inform them of local flood-prone areas and the nearest safe shelters.
Ensure Adequate Property Insurance
On top of reviewing your insurance policy to make sure it covers flood damage, you’ll also need to check for other sufficient weather-related coverages. Natural disasters can cause significant damage, so make sure your policy includes adequate coverage for:
- Windstorm Damage: Some insurance policies may exclude wind damage or have high deductibles for hurricane-prone areas. Make sure you have protection for wind-related incidents.
- Liability Insurance: In the event that a tenant or visitor gets hurt due to weather-related hazards (such as a slip and fall on icy steps), liability insurance can protect you from legal claims.
Tenant Communication and Preparation
A proactive approach to tenant communication is important when preparing your rental property for inclement weather. Keep tenants informed and encourage them to take safety precautions:
- Provide Weather Alerts: Share local resources for weather alerts, such as signing up for text notifications from the National Weather Service. Regular updates can keep tenants aware of impending weather conditions.
- Supply Tenant Guides: Create a seasonal weather preparedness guide for your tenants. This can include information on what to do during different types of storms, how to protect their belongings, and emergency contact numbers that may come in handy.
- Discuss Maintenance Responsibilities: Clarify which maintenance tasks tenants are responsible for, such as clearing snow from porches or ensuring that windows and doors are sealed tightly. This prevents confusion and ensures the property remains in good condition.
Create an Emergency Contact List
Lastly, make sure that both you and your tenants have a well-defined emergency contact list. This should include:
- Local Emergency Services: Provide contact information for local police, fire departments, and emergency medical services (if services other than 911 are available in your area).
- Maintenance Contractors: Have reliable contractors available for emergency repairs, such as roofers, plumbers, or electricians. Quick response times can prevent small issues from turning into larger, more expensive problems.
- Property Management Contact: Give tenants clear instructions on how to reach you or your property team during emergencies.
As a Virginia property manager, preparing for inclement weather is a major responsibility. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your property, promote tenant safety, and avoid costly repairs. From conducting inspections and reinforcing structures to winterizing, staying ahead of unpredictable weather will save time and money, and help prevent added stress. With proper planning, your rental property will remain a safe and well-maintained asset, no matter what weather conditions arise.
