If you find yourself dealing with water leakage in your rental home, staying calm and taking swift action is essential. Swift action can play a significant role in effectively resolving the issue. Here’s what to do in case of a leak in your rental property.
Shut off the main water supply
If you see or hear water where it shouldn’t be, your first move is to shut it off. If the leak is from a faucet or appliance, you can often shut off the water by turning the handle or switching it off.
If the leak is more serious, however, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. To do this, locate the main water shut-off valve. This might be in the basement, utility room, or outside the house. Then, use a wrench and pliers to turn the valve until the water stops.
Minimize the spread of water
After turning 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 limit the water’s spread and dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.
If your carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to absorb as much water as possible. Then, open the windows and turn on a few 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 know what happened and what actions you’ve taken to fix the issue. Water leaks need to be dealt with immediately, or serious damage may result.
If you leave the problem unattended for too long, you might be held responsible for the damages. By calling your landlord, you can coordinate to get the leak 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 dealing with a water leak in your rental home is to focus on prevention. Once you know the cause of the leak, you should take measures to prevent it from reoccurring. If you can, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common mishaps.
Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing water leaks. Keep up with maintenance concerns and inform your landlord whenever you see signs of a developing issue. Preventing water leaks in your rental home is easier if you fix things before the pipes burst. Your proactive approach can greatly impact the outcome.
Would you like to exchange your current Winter Park rental home for one maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Real Property Management Vanguard can help! Check out our listings on our website or call us at 407-681-7802.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.