How Property Owners Can Keep Their Tenants Safe This Winter

Cold weather and blustery winds can cause more than dangers on the road. You also need to safeguard your rental property this winter. From frozen pipes to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, here’s how to protect your rental units and tenants this winter. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Neglecting your plumbing during the winter months can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs. Property owners and managers can expect a large repair bill with extra costs for clean-up and extensive damage. 

Keep the Heat On

Pipes don't always burst when they freeze, but the fluctuation in pressure can lead to damage. Prevent damage by leaving the heat on a minimum of 60℉ during the winter months. Ensure your tenants’ thermostats are working correctly, and check all of your property’s windows and doors for cracks and leaks to prevent heat loss. Remember to check all common areas from lobbies to laundry rooms for heat loss.

Cold snaps are especially dangerous for pipes. It's essential to perform a periodic check that your rental units’ heat is operating correctly, especially during a cold snap. Opening up your cabinets and doors around the plumbing will also allow the warm air to circulate. 

Keep the Water Running

Running your water isn't always necessary to prevent cold pipes. However, a history of burst pipes or plumbing on an outside wall may need extra attention. When the temperature drops below 10℉, ask your tenants to allow water to slowly trickle from kitchen, sinks, showers, and bathtubs. If your units are not currently rented, make sure to check on the heat, water, and pipes in your property on a regular basis. 

Keep the Cabinet Open

Another simple solution that we find helpful is to keep the cabinet under the sink open. This is especially true if the pipes are next to an exterior wall. Having warm air circulating under the sink can make a big difference.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The dangers of carbon monoxide cannot be overstated. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can go undetected until it poisons your bloodstream. According to the CDC, approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the ER due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Snowdrifts can pose an issue for your tenants’ health and safety during the winter months. Check your property’s exterior heating or dryer vents for snowdrifts or debris. They need to be cleared to make sure carbon monoxide isn't building up into your dwellings. Portable generators can also create lethal levels of carbon monoxide. 

All of your rental units should also have working carbon monoxide detectors. They’re an affordable way to detect CO levels and keep your property safe. Make sure it's working correctly throughout the year and change out batteries as needed. 

How to Deal with Power Outages

Power outages are never convenient, but they're especially chaotic during the winter months. If you live on the property you rent, keep your smartphone charged as much as possible and keep your Electric Company number on hand. Report the outage or periodically check for updates so you can plan. Remind your tenants to keep your number, or your property manager’s, number handy to report any outages.

Your winter weather plan should also include keeping your emergency supplies ready to go.  Leave an emergency supply list for your tenants that reminds them to keep supplies on hand including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, sealed water, extra blankets, and medications for themselves and their pets.  

Whether it’s winter or summer, keeping your property safe is about being proactive and consistent. Need help managing your property? Get in touch with the team at CJL Rentals to discuss your property management needs.