{"id":11086,"date":"2020-03-17T15:15:34","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T22:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=11086"},"modified":"2022-06-16T14:57:48","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T21:57:48","slug":"disaster-preparedness-for-rental-properties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/disaster-preparedness-for-rental-properties\/","title":{"rendered":"Disaster Preparedness for Rental Properties"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Disaster<\/span><\/p>\n

This Disaster Preparedness article first published on June 24, 2019 has been updated with helpful information in light of the 2020 cororonavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.<\/em><\/p>\n

While driving cross-country <\/span>on vacation<\/span><\/a> very unusual weather patterns caught us off-guard: a fluke snowfall in Nevada, early tornado season in the midwest, and a hail storm in the high desert. Although unexpected, the many years of handling the unexpected as a property manager the instinctive reaction was calm and cautious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although calm and caution can carry you far in an emergency situation on a vacation, a well thought out disaster preparedness plan is vital to the protection of your property investment and care for the safety and well-being of your residents; not to mention, depending on your local laws, may be required.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Disaster Strikes <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The key is to expect the unexpected which begins with evaluating the type of properties you maintain and their vulnerabilities. Apartments, mobile home parks, HOA\u2019s and commercial buildings will have different needs during an incident compared to a single dwelling or vacation home.<\/span><\/p>\n

As earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, and hurricanes are regionally specific, note what hazards and risks would be most likely in your area. <\/span><\/p>\n

National emergencies are more difficult to anticipate as we have learned from the Covid-19 pandemic<\/a>. Again, best to consider the types of properties and the unique needs of the individuals residing there. <\/span><\/p>\n

Disaster Preparedness Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From there, the depth and breadth of the disaster preparedness plan is in your hands, but it is advised to check with your insurance provider and other outside agencies to ensure your plan is complete and compliant with any policies, rules and\/or regulations. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ask their advice for other types of emergencies and contingencies to add to your plan such as: wild animal encounters, power outages, national crisis, terrorism or home invasion, resident created events, and\/or property related incidents. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t already have monthly and yearly property <\/span>rental safety checklists<\/span><\/a>, now would be a good time to create them. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some areas and items to consider for your checklists could include: <\/span>falling and tripping hazards<\/span><\/a>, fire extinguisher fill dates, alarm and equipment checks, updated contact numbers, etc. <\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to include your office in your evaluations (even if you work from home) as your safety is important.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Your disaster plan should include instructions on following the recommendations and guidelines of the local and national governments and agencies in charge.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Create Two Versions: Office and Tenant<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Now that you are ready to design and or update your plan, you will want to create two specific versions. A tabbed section binder is useful for office use whereas the tenant version might be designed as a separate handout or included in the welcome packet along with the rules and regulations. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s advisable to have both available electronically and saved within cloud storage for online\/offline access.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Common section ideas for the tenant version to consider: <\/strong><\/p>\n