With the recent increase of weather emergencies happening nationwide, many rental property owners have been thinking about what to do if some sort of similar threat were to happen in their own neck of the woods. A volcanic eruption or major snowstorm is not likely to happen in Florida. A hurricane is not likely to strike North Dakota. Some concerns are simply local in nature, but this does not mean that a few basic steps can’t be listed for the benefit of those who own rental properties in Orlando Florida.
Regardless of what kind of localized threat is most likely, one very important way to get your rental property ready is to obtain a full set of board-up materials long before an approaching event drives the price into the stratosphere. Buy sturdy plywood panels, cut them to the exact size needed for all the doors and windows in the house, label each panel in an unmistakable way so people will know which opening they are supposed to cover, and then toss them up into the rafters of the garage or some other place where they won’t be damaged. Add a nice big box of screws or nails as well. If a major weather event is on the way, these pre-positioned materials can be set up in a few hours.
Precautions against gas leaks and water heaters tipping over are always a good idea, no matter where you live. Bind your water heater in place with approved strapping. Tape a gas meter shutoff wrench someplace where it can be easily found in an emergency but is not likely to become the target of curious children.
If your rental is in an area with frequent severe weather events, the conversion of closet space into an extra sturdy safe space would not be a bad idea. Board over the drywall with heavy ¾ inch plywood panels. Do the same for the ceiling and then add a second thickness. Some landlords have even opted to install fire-rated or impact-resistant doors to provide an extra layer of safety.
As a property owner or manager, you might also choose to offer some basic survival supplies for your tenants but store them offsite. If things break down, you can drop by with some food, water, first aid supplies, candles, blankets, and maybe even a small flashlight and radio. The latter would be especially useful if it is one of those with a hand crank charger and the ability to provide USB power for the tenants’ other devices.
Your tenants appreciate your property management skills and assistance, especially when survival goods and materials will be hard to find at the last minute. You may also want to give them a checklist and other instructions on what to do in case of emergency or disaster.
Our team at Specialized Property Management in Orlando is prepared for any emergency and will be able to help keep your tenants and your property safe and taken care of. Natural disasters are just one of the many things that can be stressful and time-consuming to handle as a landlord. Our experienced Orlando property managers here at Specialized Property Management can help will all aspects of managing your property, including:
- Inspecting
- Marketing
- Showing
- Screening
- Signing
- Collecting
- Maintaining
- Renewing
- Moving
- … and more.
