A water leak is an unfortunate scenario that no renter wants to experience! Finding a leak may be alarming, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue. To play your part in resolving the issue, follow these steps if a leak occurs in your rental home.
Turn off the water supply
When you see or hear water where it shouldn’t be, your first step is to turn it off at the source. If the leak is from a faucet or appliance, just turn the handle or power it off to stop the water.
If the leak is more severe, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to the house. Find your water main shut-off valve to do this. The water main valve might be in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. Use a wrench and pliers to turn the valve off until the water flow ceases.
Contain the leak and minimize water damage
After shutting off the water, your next step is to clean up any leaking or pooled water on the floor, under cabinets, or in other areas. Use old towels and a mop to prevent water from spreading and dry off cabinets, table legs, and other wood surfaces.
If the carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to absorb as much water as you can. Then, open windows and turn on fans to dry the rug as quickly as possible. Letting a wet carpet sit can cause mold and permanently damage any furniture on it.
Notify your landlord or property manager
Once the water is under control, it’s crucial to contact your landlord immediately. Your landlord should be updated on what occurred and how you’ve managed the issue.
It’s important to deal with water leaks right away to prevent severe damage. Letting the problem linger could make you responsible for the damages. Contacting your landlord allows you to collaborate on getting the leak repaired and any other damage addressed.
Simple checks and maintenance tasks to avoid leaks
To prevent future leaks, make sure to practice good prevention. After identifying the cause of the leak, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Whenever possible, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common problems.
Stay on top of regular maintenance and let your landlord know if you notice any potential problems. Tackling issues before they worsen can help you prevent water leaks in your rental home.
Real Property Management LoneStar can help you find a new rental home in Alamo Ranch or the nearby area. Take a look at our available rentals to find out more and arrange a viewing.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
