No renter wants to face the problem of water leaking in their rental home! If a leak is discovered, you can still take steps to manage it well. To play your part in resolving the issue, follow these steps if a leak occurs in your rental home.
Turn off the water supply
The first thing to do when you detect water coming from an unintended area is to stop it at its origin. If the leak is from a faucet or appliance, just turn the handle or power it off to stop the water.
If the leak is more extensive, turning off the main water supply will be necessary. Begin by finding the water main shut-off valve. You might find it in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. After locating the valve, use a wrench and pliers to turn it until the water stops.
Contain the leak and minimize water damage
After the water is turned off, your next step is to mop up any water that has leaked or pooled on the floor, under cabinets, or elsewhere. Take old towels and a mop to minimize water spread and dry any wooden surfaces such as cabinets or table legs.
If your carpets or rugs are wet, use towels to soak up as much water as possible. Following that, open windows and turn on fans to dry the rug quickly. Leaving a wet carpet unattended may result in mold and cause lasting damage to any furniture on top of it.
Notify your landlord or property manager
Once the water is under control, it’s crucial to contact your landlord immediately. Your landlord must be made aware of the incident and the actions you’ve taken to handle it.
Water leaks must be managed promptly to avoid serious damage. Leaving the issue unaddressed too long could make you liable for damages. Calling your landlord helps ensure the leak is repaired and any other damage in the home is handled.
Simple checks and maintenance tasks to avoid leaks
Once the leak is managed, your final task is to practice good prevention. Once you know the leak’s cause, take measures to prevent it from recurring. If possible, safeguard your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other issues.
Make sure to stay on top of routine maintenance and notify your landlord of any developing issues. Tackling issues before they worsen can help you prevent water leaks in your rental home.
Let Real Property Management Dynamic assist you in finding a new home to rent in Fort Pierce or the area. Check out our available rentals to learn more and set up a viewing.
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.
