If you find yourself dealing with water leakage in your rental home, staying calm and taking swift action is essential. Quick action can significantly help in effectively resolving the issue. Here is a guide on how to handle a leak in your rental property.
Shut off the main water supply
If you detect water coming from somewhere it shouldn’t, your first action is to shut it off. If the leak is from a faucet or appliance, you can often stop the water by turning the handle or switching it off.
If the leak is more serious, however, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. To do this, locate your water main shut-off valve. This might 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
After shutting off the water, your 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 limit the water’s spread and dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.
If your carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to absorb as much water as possible. Then, open the windows and turn on several fans to dry the carpet quickly. Letting a wet carpet sit can cause mold and permanently damage any furniture on top of it.
Report the issue to your landlord
After you have the water flow under control, call your landlord immediately. Your landlord needs to know what happened and what actions you’ve taken to fix the issue. Water leaks need immediate attention to prevent serious damage.
If you delay addressing the problem, you could be held responsible for the damages. By calling your landlord, you can work together to organize repairs and address any other damage in the home. Keep in mind, acting quickly can prevent serious damage and potential liability.
Prevent future water leaks
The last step in handling a water leak in your rental home is to practice effective prevention. Once you identify what caused the leak, you should do your part to prevent it from happening again. If you can, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common mishaps.
Consistent maintenance is key to preventing water leaks. Stay vigilant with maintenance concerns and let your landlord know if you see signs of a developing issue. Preventing water leaks in your rental home is easier if you fix things before the pipes burst. Your proactive approach can greatly impact the outcome.
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Originally Published on April 2, 2021
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