Landlords and Tenants Team Up to Protect Against Storm Damage

February has rolled in, the groundhog has had his say and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. 2009 has been packed full of excitement so far, from politics to weather and everything in between. The upcoming week should be interesting and full of activity as the temperatures are expected to hit double digits in some areas and the “Family Day Long Weekend” is almost upon us. Warm weather and time off work may be appealing but property owners should be taking extra precautions in the days ahead in order to prevent damage from rising water levels, power outages and even ice damage from freezing rain,. The spring like conditions can be the cause of serious and expensive problems ranging from flooded basements to falling trees.

Tenants must protect themselves from property damage by ensuring that they have up to date insurance. The assumption that the landlord is responsible for insuring the property can be a costly mistake. Landlords must insure their land and buildings but are not required to include the personal contents of their tenants in the covered assets. Landlords will also carry liability insurance and probably fire and/or flood insurance. There are cases however, where a landlord will not be able to ensure against damage caused by water or fire. In other cases, a policy may not be renewed or it may be altered during the time that a tenant is occupying the space. The renter should always take it upon themselves to find out what coverage is in place and even request to be notified in the event that policy is altered.

 

Tenants can easily protect themselves often with a simple phone call to their insurance provider of their auto or life policy. Most companies offer products specifically designed to meet the needs of renters. Insurance for furniture, electronics, jewellery and even food can be put in place. This type of protection can be incredibly helpful in the event that a sudden power failure in your building results in the spoiling of supply of expensive meats that had been stored in preparation for a party or event.

 

Tenants should keep in mind that claims, like with any policy, can affect rates or insurability. The decision to make a claim is often based on the amount of the loss, the amount of the deductable or even the reason for the loss. Precautions should be made in order to minimize the risk of a loss. Tenants may have to show that they have taken steps to ensure that bylaws or building policies have been followed.

 

As the spring season approaches, protecting against flooding can be a challenge. The run off from melting snow and ice can often become backed up where drainage areas are blocked. Common problem areas are blocked storm sewers, ditches or frozen drain pipes. Tenants and landlords should attempt to work together as much as possible to reduce the risk of property damage. Tenants can keep the landlord informed about events such as power outages or heavy rainfall. If tenants notice areas in the building where water appears to be leaking in or drain pumps have stopped working due to power failure, they should take steps to notify the owner or the property supervisor as soon as possible. Many problems can be avoided when caught in time. Generators can be brought in to maintain power levels for pumps, fans or refrigeration units. Portable heaters can help to maintaining adequate temperatures where furnaces or heating systems are not able to function properly. Landlords may direct tenants to contact a particular service provider or tradesman. This can result in more immediate problem solving and in faster solutions.

 

If tenants plan on being away from a rental for a period of time, they should make arrangements for someone to check in on the property or notify the landlord so that they can have the unit monitored on behalf of the resident. Some landlords will even include in a lease the tenant’s responsibility to inform of an absence or 2 days or more.

 

By understanding their rights, responsibilities and obligations, tenants can ensure that they are properly protected against property damage and that their rental will remain in good condition during the length of their stay. Landlords can benefit from informed tenants and will protect their investment by preparing for spring weather events in advance. Experienced professionals that are trained in drainage solutions or insurance products can assist both landlords and tenants with ways to save money and protect property.