If you experience the unfortunate situation of water leaking in your rental home, staying calm and acting promptly is key. Prompt action can greatly aid in effectively resolving the problem. Here is a guide on how to handle a leak in your rental property.
Shut off the main water supply
If you detect water coming from somewhere it shouldn’t, your first action is to shut it off. If the leak is from a faucet or appliance, you can often stop the water by turning the handle or switching it off.
If the leak is more serious, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. To do this, locate your water main shut-off valve. This may be in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. Then, using a wrench and pliers, turn the valve until the water stops flowing.
Minimize the spread of water
After shutting off the water, your next step is to mop up any water that has leaked or pooled on the floor, under cabinets, or elsewhere. Use old towels and a mop to stop the water’s spread and dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.
If your carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to soak up as much water as you can. Then, open the windows and turn on multiple fans to dry the carpet quickly. Allowing a wet carpet to sit can result in mold and permanently damage any furniture on top of it.
Report the issue to your landlord
Once you get the water flow under control, call your landlord immediately. Your landlord needs to be informed about what happened and what steps you’ve taken to address the issue. Water leaks must be addressed promptly to prevent serious damage.
If you ignore the problem for too long, you could be held liable for the damages. By contacting your landlord, you can jointly arrange for the leak to be repaired and address any other damage in the home. Keep in mind, acting quickly can prevent serious damage and potential liability.
Prevent future water leaks
The last step in handling a water leak in your rental home is to practice effective prevention. Once you determine what caused the leak, you must do your part to prevent it from happening again. If you can, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common mishaps.
Regular maintenance is essential to preventing water leaks. Monitor maintenance concerns and alert your landlord whenever you notice signs of a developing problem. By fixing issues before the pipes burst, you can do much to prevent water leaks in your rental home. Being proactive can make a significant difference.
Interested in trading your current Burbank rental home for one maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Real Property Management Tri-Cities is here to help! Visit our website to check our listings or call us at 509-572-5440.
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