Remind tenants to notify about water intrusion for winter?

[J. Martin]

One of my tenants recently told me that a dark spot appeared to be growing each day during the rain, until they woke up with water leaking onto their bed..

As I was contemplating how many days it had been getting wet, I thought I would call/text the rest of my tenants and remind them to notify me immediately if they see any dark spots on the ceiling or water around the windowsills, to avoid having anything leak that could ruin their stuff or bother them with additional work if it gets worse. I think I'm going to do it today..

Do any other landlords/investors out there remind their tenants at the beginning of winter, or periodically, about calling if there are any leaks? I figure telling them why it makes it easier for them (less potential work to do, avoid getting their stuff wet) would help motivate them to actually do it.

Anyone else do this? Thoughts? Any other pro-active tips for tenants/maintenance? (Besides inspecting the exterior/rooof, etc periodically. I'm more thinking about the inside). Does anyone do walk-throughs of the apartment every 6 months or something? I did it last time I renewed leases, but haven't necessarily established a set schedule..