San Diego is celebrated for it’s pleasant, year-round climate. Even so, some of the most interesting times stretch from November to March. If you aren’t careful, rain and moisture damage can wreak expensive maintenance havoc on San Diego rentals.
5 Maintenance Tips to Protect Rental Investments During Rainy Season
The following 5 tips are affordable, and are the difference between owning weather-tight buildings or paying for costly, long-term moisture damage.
Schedule annual inspections.
This is a good time of year to perform annual or bi-annual property inspections. Professional rental and lease contracts include a clause instructing tenants to report leaks, but that doesn’t mean the tenants always follow through. A thorough inspection of property, including the commercial and residential interior spaces, will allow you to catch exterior window, door, wall and/or ceiling leaks that might go unreported otherwise.
Inspect gutters and downspouts.
Gutters and downspouts are an essential piece of a building’s roof system. They collect water and direct it down and away from the building. If they leak or rust, water begins to penetrate attic and interior wall spaces. This can lead to permanent structural damage, not to mention mold and mildew issues.
Repair seals and weatherstripping.
Have a maintenance pro go along with the property manager during the inspections, equipped with common weatherproofing materials. Any issues pertaining to corroded caulking, weather seals and/or weather-stripping can be repaired in the moment. More complex repairs can be scheduled for later.
Trim tree branches.
Winds and rain are a perfect combination to send old, dying tree branches crashing down on roofs, cars or people. Schedule an arborist or reputable tree trimmer evaluate the landscape and remove any questionable branches.
Maintain slip-resistant stairs and walkways.
Where there is water, there is potential for slip-and-fall hazards. Make sure all exterior stairs and walkways are slip-proof and free of large puddles, mold and mud. If you find an area that needs to be addressed, mark it clearly with cones and hazard tape and schedule repairs ASAP.
Being proactive will keep your buildings weather tight – and leak-free – all winter long.
© SOS Management & Property Services, Inc.
San Diego’s Premier Property Management Company
Local: (858) 273-8800
