NYC Insurance Blog

Winter Seasons Property Management Tips

Winter property management is daunting, especially for first-timers. Landlords and property owners have a rough idea of dealing with extreme temperatures and snowstorms. Typically, preparing your home or property for the cold weather in advance is the best approach. Here are some of the ways you can protect your commercial property. 

I. Prevent Slips and Falls

Winter maintenance is usually snowfall. Ice- or snow-covered driveways, steps, and sidewalks are risky. Slips and falls can be fatal, and besides facing a lawsuit as the property owner, you can incur a financial loss when someone slips or falls and gets injured on your property. Snow cleaning can be included as an extra service, i.e., add the snow cleaning fee to the rent or make it a tenant’s responsibility in the lease. 

Communicating with your tenants is crucial to saving yourself from a lawsuit. Inform the tenants about any snow-cleaning services and what they should do during or after the service. If someone is injured on your premises, act fast and consult your insurer. Always record and keep records of accidents and investigations for future reference. Talking to tenants is highly recommended because they can provide crucial insights. For example, talking to tenants is easier to know about a drafty window, leaking faucet, or faulty HVAC. With such information, you can make the necessary arrangements to protect your property from winter damage. 

Ice removal is vital if you are trying to prevent slips and falls on your property. Always have a well-laid ice removal plan to avoid endangering the lives of your tenants and visitors. Slips and falls can be fatal, and the only way to prevent that from happening is through using in-personnel ice removal services or hiring professionals. Let us help you find the right Homeowner's Coverage Today.

II. Snow Management

Snow accumulation on the roof can cause damage. Firstly, property owners should prepare in advance to avoid surprises during the winter season. Whether it is the tenant’s responsibility or the owner is hiring a professional snow removal service, tenants should be on high alert. Besides monitoring weather conditions, they should inform the landlord of any problems. Remember, tenants should not interfere with the snow removal process; if necessary, they can provide support. Working with a professional company is crucial because they are well-equipped, knowledgeable, and insured in snow removal. If there were any damages, report them to your insurer to avoid a financial loss. Your insurance broker can help you file a claim and finalize the process. When trying to manage snow, cleaning and inspecting gutters is crucial. Remember that clogged drains can cause water backup, which could freeze, creating ice dams when the temperature drops. Clear gutters ensure the melting snow smoothly runs off the roof. Worst case scenario, ice dams can damage the shingles or cause a leak which could damage the ceilings or walls.

III. Protect Indoor Pipes

Enclosed or isolated pipes freeze during winter, and the results could be devastating. According to Home Advisor, repairing burst pipes is approximately $500, with an additional $3,000 in damages caused. Instead of taking chances, landlords should consider indoor insulating pipes. Insulating indoor pipes, i.e., PVC and copper water pipes, costs around 50 cents per linear foot. You can DIY or hire a professional depending on your preference and budget. Consider indoor insulating pipes under the sinks, crawlspaces/attics, and along the exterior wall. If you have a basement, insulate every water pipe to avoid bursting, which eventually causes flooding. Having a Broker, can help when claims are in question - Give us a Call Today for a Free Quote.

It is essential to insulate the crawlspace to prevent the formation of ice dams on your roof. Also, insulating the attic makes the attic cooler and saves utility bills in the long run. Always drain and store sprinklers or garden hoses before the winter season begins to reduce the chances of freezing and bursting.

Final Thoughts

Property owners should create a to-do list for their tenants. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and the only way of mitigating loss is careful planning. The landlord-tenant to-do list should entail all the repairs the landlord is planning to do before the winter, like insulating basement pipes and doors. The list should also include what tenants are supposed to do if there is a bust pipe or deep freeze. For example, tenants should turn off the main valve if there is a burst pipe. If there is a deep freeze, tenants should let faucets drip and leave cabinet doors open to expose wall pipes to the water heater. The landlord should include an emergency contact to help their tenants report any incident. Although it might seem like a lot of work, preparation is vital. During winter property management, landlords and tenants should communicate effectively and monitor all risky areas to minimize damages and injuries. 

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