How to Prepare Your Rentals for Heat Waves and Drought Conditions
Between heat waves and drought conditions at your rental property, there is a lot to think about beyond the traditional summer maintenance plans. If your properties exist in a climate that is likely to experience one (or both) of these conditions, a little preparedness can go a long way to keep your tenants and your property ready for the extreme heat.
Summer sun may bring about a lot of fun, but with rising temperatures hitting record highs year-over-year, there’s no doubt that too much sunshine can bring about detrimental effects. From heat waves to drought conditions, there are a number of issues that landlords and property managers should be aware of during the summer months.
Extra precautions, notices to tenants, and thoughtful property maintenance can ensure your tenants and your portfolio are protected, no matter what the weather has in store for the hottest summer months.
Prepare Your Rental for a Heat Wave:
Keeping the properties in your portfolio prepared for a heat wave can prevent an emergency down the road. Much of this preparation should consist of tenant notice that will serve to keep them safe as temperatures rise. Beyond this, consider external property preparation that can keep your rental property cooler.
Along with other helpful advice, the Massachusetts Department of Energy recommends:
- Using light-colored and/or heat-reflective exterior paint
- Adding reflective coating on roofs and windows
- Weatherization measures be taken
- External window shades and awnings
- Shade-providing landscaping
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Offer Heat Wave and Drought Tips for Tenants:
Whether you manage a handful of multifamily residences or you have a few single-family homes in your portfolio, sending out notices to your respective tenants is key. Catering these notices to their specific property needs is also very important.
Summer Safety Tips for All Tenants:
- Send out a general safety reminder with any relevant alerts, info about cooling centers, and hydration tips. Suggest that tenants sign up for heat wave alerts or local emergency alerts—which can provide life-saving information any time of year. Important reminders:
- The elderly, children, and/or those with compromised health concerns are especially vulnerable during a heat wave.
- Power outages are common in a heat wave; ask tenants to prep accordingly with:
- A first aid and/or emergency supply kit
- A family emergency plan
- Flashlights, water bottles and essential items fully charged
- Include important property-specific information about how and who to notify if there is a cooling issue at the property.
- Offer general tips on ways to keep cool and lessen the strain on utilities during these times.
For Tenants in Single-Family Rentals:
If your tenants live in a single-family home or small townhouses and are in charge of the yard maintenance, be sure to pass along any relevant information on how to care for the property during the heat. Include information about relevant irrigation or sprinkler systems as well as any local or state-wide ordinances surrounding water or electricity usage during peak hours or overall.
Drought Preparedness for Your Rental Property
For property managers and landlords alike, it’s vital to stay up-to-date on any local drought regulations where your rentals are located. Be sure to pass along any restrictions or water usage rules to all tenants. In common areas, consider posting signage reminding tenants about current rules and regulations. This information should also be available on their tenant portals if you use property management software.
Beyond alerting tenants to limit their water usage, there are some helpful steps you can take to prep your property for a drought.
Make Water-Efficient Upgrades:
Water usage isn’t just about timing, and your tenants may be unable to limit their usage alone. Instead of relying on your tenants to take shorter showers to tip the scale, make upgrades to your property that will increase your long-term ROI while also decreasing water usage.
Indoor Drought Prep Rental Updates:
- Energy-efficient and water-efficient utilities like dishwashers and on-site washing machines will guarantee less water usage, regardless of how your tenants’ habits change.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, which serve to reduce the amount of water without decreasing water pressure.
Exterior Drought Prep Rental Updates:
- Opt for hardscaping or Xeriscaping wherever possible
- Use native plants that are more resistant to fluctuations in the local climate
- Swap water-hungry lawns with resistant options like clover or other ground covers
- If you do opt for traditional landscaping:
- Have your team or tenants water any plants early in the morning to prevent evaporation loss
- Install drip irrigation systems instead of sprinklers to reduce waste and evaporation
- Follow local restrictions on watering or caring for landscaping
Source: Rentec Direct
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