How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Rental Property

Water leaks are a common issue homeowners face. In fact, it’s estimated that the average household in The United States can see about 10,000 gallons of water leak annually. Dripping faucets, worn-down pipes, and water heater leaks are often the cause of this issue. But leaks don’t just result in wasted water and high utility bills. They also cause significant damage to the property. As a landlord, water damage can be costly to your bottom line, making it harder to maximize your return on investment.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prevent water damage in your rental properties. This article will provide landlords with vital insights to protect their investment properties from water damage!

Causes of Water Damage 

Hidden water leaks can be incredibly costly and overwhelming for landlords, this is especially true if it’s a time-sensitive matter. That’s why regular property inspections are key to finding and diagnosing such issues early when they’re more manageable. When renting out a property, you’ll also want to be proactive when it comes to possible water leakages. After a tenant reports such an issue, make sure to act as quickly as possible. The following are some of the top causes of water damage in a property to be aware of: 

• Plumbing leaks, such as faucets, leaky pipes, and toilets. 
• Roof leaks can allow water to seep into the attic and eventually into the living rooms. 
• Malfunctioning appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. 
• Flooding can arise after heavy rains, storms, and natural disasters. 
• Sewage backups from clogged sewer lines can result in contamination and water damage. 
• Poor drainage around the foundation of your residential rental property. 
• Tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters cause property damage. 

Other causes of water damage include failing supply hoses, clogged gutters, freezing pipes, tree roots, improper pipe insulation, and even rodents. 

Signs of Water Damage 

Water damage in your rental property can manifest in a variety of ways. And if left unaddressed, the resulting water damage can be quite significant. The following are telltale signs that your rental property has undergone water damage:

• Water Stains – These can appear as dark, brownish stains on floors, ceilings, and walls. 
• Mold Growth – Mold can appear as black, green, or gray patches. It thrives in damp environments. 
• Bubbling or Peeling Paint – Water damage can make paint lose its adhesion, leading to peeling or bubbling. 
• Warped Wood – Exposure to moisture can make wood warp, smell, or rot.
• Sagging Ceilings – The water damage can weaken wooden supports and cause the ceiling to sag or droop. 

5 Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Rental Property 

The following are 5 proven tips landlords can use to prevent water damage in their rental properties:

1. Check the Gutters 

Gutters play a vital role in protecting your property from water damage. Their purpose is to collect and redirect rainwater away from a property. This way, they help prevent issues such as landscaping erosion, foundation damage, and flooding. Over time, however, gutters can get clogged. Leaves, debris, and even ice can cause clogging, preventing water from flowing freely. As a result, this can lead to overflow, which can spill the rainwater onto the siding, roof, and foundation. Ideally, have the gutters cleaned and inspected a couple times a year. You can also do it more frequently, especially after heavy leaf fall and before winter. 

2. Check the Downspouts 

Downspouts, like gutters, also play a crucial role when it comes to directing water away from your rental property’s foundation. Downspouts, if not properly maintained or installed, can cause significant water damage to your rental property. Clogged downspouts can lead to overflow, which can potentially seep into your property’s foundation. To prevent downspout-related water damage, do regular cleaning and inspection. You should also ensure that the ground is sloping away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling in one area. 

3. Grade the Yard 

Negative grading is when the ground slopes towards your home. This can cause water to flow towards the property’s foundation, which can lead to water pooling and potential damage. Positive grading is when the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation, directing water away. This is the ideal sloping your property should have to prevent water damage issues. Have an expert assess your property’s grading and make the necessary changes to protect your foundation.

4. Check the Roof 

The roof is one of the most overlooked parts of a home. In many cases, property owners only come to realize there are issues after significant time has passed. The following are some telltale signs that the roof of your rental property could need repair:

• Visible water stains on the walls or ceilings. These often appear near corners or around skylights. 
• A sagging roofline. 
• Missing, damaged, or curling shingles. 
• Leaks during rainstorms. 
• Growth of mold or mildew. 
• Excessive granules in gutters. 

Ideally, have the roof of your rental property inspected at least once every year to ensure that necessary repairs are made to prevent major damage down the line. 

5. Hire a Property Manager

A property manager can help overcome any challenges you may be experiencing as a landlord. Whether you need help collecting rent, maintaining the property, responding to tenant issues, or filling vacancies, you can rely on their expertise. 

Bottom Line

Water damage in your home can be devastating. Luckily for you, knowing the warning signs and taking proactive measures can help you keep your rental property in great shape for optimal returns on investment. You can also always work with a trusted property management company.

EquityTeam is a professional full-service property management company you can turn to. We can help you manage all aspects of your property, from collecting rent and filling vacancies to inspecting the rental and responding to maintenance issues from tenants. Get in touch to learn more!