How can we add preventative cost measures to protect the properties from harsh weathe

[Carla Kordab]

Whoever is managing your property, since the winter weather is a serious problem for all of us you can save it from harsh weather by implementing various strategies and processes.

Here’s some tips for the out of staters and local owners of Bigger Pockets Community, such as:

1. Regular maintenance: Ensuring that rental properties are well-maintained and in good condition before severe weather hits, such as fixing leaks, securing loose roof shingles, and trimming trees.

2. Emergency preparedness: Having a plan in place to respond to emergencies, such as power outages, flooding, and severe storms, and equipping properties with necessary supplies, such as flashlights, batteries, and generators.

3. Contracting with emergency repair services: Having a list of trusted contractors who can quickly respond to emergency repair needs, such as roof repair or tree removal.

4. Regular inspections: Conducting regular inspections of rental properties by an expert property manager or by your current PMC to identify potential issues and address them before they become major problems.

5. Informing tenants: Communicating with tenants about emergency preparedness and providing them with clear instructions on what to do in case of severe weather.

6. Providing winterization services: Ensuring that rental properties are properly winterized to prevent damage from cold and snowy weather, such as insulating pipes and windows and clearing sidewalks and driveways.

7. Monitoring weather conditions: Staying informed about weather conditions and being prepared to respond quickly to any emergencies that may arise.

8. Setting up a policy to coordinate with the utility companies to notify ownership when service is cut off for any reason (non payment, tenant leaving property unattended and unannounced avoiding property being damaged by getting involved upon notification).

By taking these steps, owners and property management companies can help protect rental properties and minimize damage from harsh weather conditions.

Have a safe warm winter and look forward to hearing your stories!