So I am sitting here in Memphis the evening before a major ice storm is expected to hit. We have been through one of these before, back in 94 an ice storm wrecked havoc in the city, shattering limbs, and knocking out power for days.
As a landlord, these winter events can cause another types of havoc. We have to worry about our properties. Limbs can fall on roofs or even worse utility lines. If utilities go out, you then begin to worry about freezing pipes and bursting water lines. Icy roads mean utility crews, work crews and other repair crews may not be able to get out very quickly.
So what is a landlord to do? How do you prepare?
You can do several little things, but it all must be done beforehand. Try to keep limbs trimmed. Make sure pipes are insulated well. Perhaps have a few water cutoff valves installed so problem areas can be isolated.
But for the most part, you just have to wait. You have to wait to see how bad the storm gets. You have to wait to see what breaks or busts. You have to wait to see what damage is done. You have to wait for conditions to improve so you, your workers and utility crews can get out and fix the problems.
Your tenants can be a really big help. Asking them to prepare for potential bad weather and help protect the property through a simple e-mail or text is key. No tenant wants to be without power and water. So if they can help keep those services on, they generally will. Ask tenants to keep faucets dripping and sink cabinet doors open because running water generally does not freeze, thus protecting pipes and keeping the water on.
When you tenants move in, you can begin to get their help then as well. Showing tenants where their electrical circuit breakers are and how they work is important. As is showing them how to turn on and off water and gas supplies. They might just save you a trip out on an icy road.
No matter what happens, do your best to get things back to normal as quickly and as safely as possible. Communicate with your tenants. Let them know you are aware of issues and working on the problem and hope for the best.
