Water leaks are the last thing any renter wishes to encounter in their home! If a leak occurs, there are measures you can take to address it effectively. To aid in the resolution, follow these steps when facing a leak in your rental home.
Turn off the water supply
If water is leaking from an unexpected place, your first action should be to shut it off at the source. If a faucet or appliance is leaking, you can stop the water by turning the handle or switching it off.
If the leak is worse, you’ll have to turn off the main water supply to the home. Start by locating your water main shut-off valve. This valve could be located in a basement, utility room, or outside the house. Turn the valve with a wrench and pliers to stop the water flow.
Contain the leak and minimize water damage
After shutting off the water, your next step is to clean up any leaking or pooled water on the floor, under cabinets, or in other areas. With old towels and a mop, minimize the spread of water and dry any cabinets, table legs, or other wooden items.
If the carpet or rugs are wet, use towels to absorb as much water as possible. Then, open windows and switch on fans to dry the rug quickly. Letting a wet carpet sit can cause mold and permanently damage any furniture on it.
Notify your landlord or property manager
After controlling the water, call your landlord as soon as possible. It’s important to inform your landlord about what happened and how you’ve addressed the issue.
Dealing with water leaks quickly is crucial to avoid significant damage. If you wait too long, you might be liable for any resulting damages. By contacting your landlord, you can coordinate repairs for the leak and address any additional damage.
Simple checks and maintenance tasks to avoid leaks
The last thing to do after a water leak is to ensure good prevention practices are in place. Once the leak’s cause is known, it’s important to take action to prevent a recurrence. Try to protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, blockages, and other common problems.
Keep up with routine maintenance and alert your landlord to any signs of developing problems. Fixing issues early can greatly reduce the risk of water leaks in your rental home.
Real Property Management Luxury is here to help you find a new rental home in Richmond or nearby. Browse our available rentals to learn more and schedule 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.
