As summer storms arrive, they can bring more than just precipitation. They can create major difficulties for rental property owners and landlords who are not ready. Heavy rains, clogged gutters, and poor drainage can cause water damage that is costly and distressing to fix.
Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can protect your rental property, keep renters safe and comfortable, and avoid unwanted surprises. Read on for your essential guide to smart rental property drainage, gutter cleaning, and landlord storm prep this season.
Why Rental Property Drainage Matters
For numerous reasons, good water drainage is one of the most important things to stay on top of as a landlord. That’s because if water isn’t appropriately directed away from your structure, it can seep into the foundation, cause basement flooding, erode landscaping, and weaken structural elements over time.
These and other issues can lead to serious and expensive repairs, or even structural failure. For this reason, preventing water damage during summer storms isn’t just about saving money: it’s about protecting your investment now and for years to come.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
The first line of defense against water damage and flooding is your rental property’s gutters and downspouts. Together, gutters and downspouts form a system for channeling rainwater safely away from your structure. When this system stops working efficiently, problems arise.
Clogged gutters can overflow, causing water to flow down walls and pool around the foundation. If your rental home has a basement, pooling water can seep inside, causing flooding and potentially damaging the foundation.
To prevent these issues, schedule regular gutter cleaning for your rental property. The ideal times to clean your gutters are early in the spring and again before peak storm season.
Also, don’t forget the downspouts! Make sure they are clear of debris and positioned to direct water at least several feet away from the home’s foundation. Downspout extensions are an easy and affordable way to enhance downspout functionality, helping you direct water away from trouble spots.
Improve Grading and Yard Drainage
Even if your gutters are in top shape, poor grading in the property’s yard can still allow water to gather near the foundation. It’s important not to assume that you don’t have issues with pooling water. Instead, take the time to walk around your property regularly, especially after a heavy rain. Does water pool in certain spots? Is the yard sloping toward the house instead of away?
If you notice signs of water pooling or other issues, you may need to regrade the yard or install a simple drainage solution, such as a French drain. While these options may require some effort, they are crucial in preventing water damage to your foundation during summer storms. The cost of these adjustments is minor compared to the damage water can do to your structure over time!
Clear Debris and Maintain Landscaping
When it comes to drainage issues, trees and shrubs can be both beautiful and troublesome if not properly maintained and kept trimmed back. That’s because leaves, twigs, and branches can fall and clog gutters and drains faster than you’d expect.
Just one summer storm can cause enough debris to clog gutters, preventing them from working correctly. But you can help avoid this issue by keeping trees and shrubs trimmed back from the sides of the house. Investing in proactive and regular landscape cleanup can also go a long way in keeping water flowing freely and protecting your rental property’s drainage system.
Partner with Tenants for Prevention
While property owners bear the ultimate responsibility for protecting their property from the dangers of poor drainage, their residents can also play a significant role in preventing drainage and gutter problems. For example, you can encourage them to notify you immediately if they detect water pooling, overflowing gutters, or signs of damage.
They can also help to keep the yard clear of debris. When landlords and residents work together, minor problems can be identified and addressed early, saving everyone time, money, and stress.
Be Prepared, Stay Dry
By planning ahead, storm season could be much less stressful for landlords. In fact, by staying on top of rental property drainage, gutter cleaning, and smart storm prep, you can prevent costly damage and keep your property in great shape, providing a sense of relief and reassurance.
If you want to learn more ways to protect your investment in Idaho Falls year-round, the local experts at Real Property Management Southeast Idaho are here to assist you. Contact us today or call 208-522-2400. We are ready to help you weather any storm.
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