If you encounter water leakage in your rental home, it’s essential to stay calm and take immediate action. Quick action can significantly help in effectively resolving the issue. Here’s a guide on what actions to take if there is 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 may be able to stop the water by turning the handle or switching it off.
If the leak is more significant, however, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. To do so, locate your main water shut-off valve. It might be in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. Then, use a wrench and pliers to turn the valve until the water stops flowing.
Minimize the spread of water
Once the water is turned off, the 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 contain the water’s spread and dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.
If your carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to blot up as much water as possible. Then, open the windows and turn on multiple fans to dry the carpet quickly. Letting a wet carpet sit can cause 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 allow the problem to sit too long, you may 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. Remember, your swift action can avert serious damage and potential liability.
Prevent future water leaks
The final step in managing a water leak in your rental home is to implement good prevention practices. Once you know the cause of the leak, you must take steps to prevent the same incident from happening again. If you can, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common issues.
Regular maintenance is essential to preventing water leaks. Keep on top of maintenance concerns and inform your landlord when you see signs of a developing problem. By repairing things before the pipes burst, you can do a lot to help prevent water leaks in your rental home. Taking a proactive approach can make a significant difference.
Want to trade your current The Colony rental home for one maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Real Property Management Lakeview is here to assist! Check out our listings on our website or call us at 940-323-0505.
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