Winter weather is not pleasant for those who are unprepared. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can damage buildings if proper precautions are not taken. You should be proactive with maintenance and take precautions to ensure the safety of your rental property and your tenants during a snow storm.

Luckily, many of these precautionary measures are simple. A few minor adjustments can go a long way in protecting your property and its occupants from winter elements. Thankfully, most of them are inexpensive. Although some of these may require a bit of money, they are still cheaper than repairing the damages they are preventing.

These are simple strategies for protecting your rental property and everything you nee to know about managing winter emergencies. As long as you apply these tips, you will feel less worried of heavy snow forecasts.

Listen intently to alarm systems.

As you prepare for the impending storm, you be updated with the latest news. Of course, you could always watch the weather channel, but it’s better to have other ways of keeping yourself updated more frequently.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio and the Emergency Alert System should also be closely monitored. They regularly issue emergency alerts to let you know how the storm is progressing and give you the chance to act promptly.

Email your Tenants.

The responsibility for emergency preparedness does not rest solely on your shoulders. All tenants in the building must contribute. You are free to email them and encourage them to cooperate. However, make sure you don’t sound too demanding. Keep the tone friendly when giving reminders and advice that can help everyone get through the worst of the cold season.

Here are a few notes you can add when composing an email to let them know what steps they can take:

• Keep up to date with the weather forecast.
• Check your supply closet for tools and items they might need.
• Remain indoors during a storm and avoid traveling until the roads are clear.
• Report suspected frozen pipes as soon as possible.

These are just four of several things you can add to your email. These are the simplest and most basic reminders that could help them in a storm.

Insulate Pipes

You can effectively protect your property if you prepare ahead of time. “Winterizing” your rental units prevent damages and maintain tenant satisfaction. Start with your building’s pipes by insulating them from the cold.

The Department of Energy has a guide that provides the necessary steps to insulate your pipes. Having it in hand could ensure proper execution.

Once the pipe insulation is complete, you can be confident that it can withstand freezing temperatures. In addition to preventing freezing and bursting, you can save 3 to 4 percent of energy per year.

Perform HVAC maintenance.

The first few tips are practical, easy to do, and do not require an expert. However, when it comes to HVAC systems, it is a bit more complicated. You should annually schedule HVAC maintenance with a technician. Doing so can address early issues before they develop into severe problems.

Aside from being more financially practical, HVAC maintenance also ensures that during winter storms, your tenants are warm and comfortable inside the rental unit. You would also feel less worried that your system would crash just when it’s needed most. Make sure you have a trusted technician on your phonebook. That way, you can easily schedule repairs and maintenance.

Deal with weak or dying branches.

Trees surrounding your rental property may not look harmful, but snow and ice build-up pose a hazard. The pressure can break weak branches and fall on walkways, smaller structures, and even people. If you don’t take the time to evaluate your landscaping, it puts your tenants at risk.

Falling branches aren’t high on the list of hazards associated with snowstorms and cold weather. However, it’s still important to inspect nearby trees and pay attention to weak branches to prevent problems. It can bring peace of mind knowing that every precautionary measure was taken. 

Being a proactive landlord can help keep your tenants and entice future tenants to rent your properties. Your current tenants’ recommendation can go a long way. When your rental agent publishes your listing on Padleads and include positive tenant reviews, more potential tenants would apply.