If you face the unfortunate event of water leaking in your rental home, staying calm and acting quickly is crucial. Swift action can significantly help resolve the issue effectively. Here is a guide on what to do if a leak occurs 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 this, find your water main shut-off valve. It could be in the basement, utility room, or outside the house. Then, using a wrench and pliers, 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 stop the water’s spread and dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.
If your carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to soak up as much water as you can. Then, open the windows and turn on multiple fans to dry the carpet quickly. Allowing a wet carpet to sit can result in 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 be informed about what happened and what steps you’ve taken to address the issue. Water leaks must be addressed promptly to prevent serious damage.
If you ignore the problem for too long, you could be held liable for the damages. By contacting your landlord, you can arrange to have the leak repaired and deal with any other damage in the home. Keep in mind, acting quickly can prevent serious damage and potential liability.
Prevent future water leaks
The final step in addressing a water leak in your rental home is practicing good prevention. Once you identify the cause of the leak, you need to take steps to prevent it from happening again. If you can, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common mishaps.
Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing water leaks. Monitor maintenance concerns and alert your landlord whenever you notice signs of a developing problem. By addressing issues before the pipes burst, you can significantly help prevent water leaks in your rental home. A proactive approach can make a significant difference.
Would you like to trade your current Indianapolis rental home for one maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Real Property Management Crossroads can assist! Visit our website to check our listings or call us at 317-218-7800.
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