Blog Post

3 Most Common Issues During Rainy Season

Dustin Edwards • November 18, 2024

Now that the days are shorter, it's only a matter of time before we welcome rain to Southern California. As much as we need rain, it brings with it a number of issues for many rental properties that may have been overlooked during the spring and summer.


Below, we’ll share with you three common issues
property managers and investors need to deal with during the rainy season.


Issue #1 Water Intrusion

Heavy rains can sometimes overwhelm the local drainage systems. This can result in water accumulation in the low points of a property. While most homes are built with elevation from the ground floor in order to leave room for a crawlspace, some homes are built on a slab foundation. This is typically much lower to the ground, which in heavier rainfall can result in water penetrating the home.


Water can also seep through the roofs, walls, and vents through damage to the roof,
broken gutter systems, or cracks in the exterior walls. This can weaken structures while also damaging interior walls and flooring. Water damage can lower property value and, if left unchecked, lead to thousands of dollars of property damage.


The increased humidity also encourages mold growth, especially if water leaks from the roof or walls. This can spread quickly if not addressed. Mold can damage surfaces and create health hazards for tenants, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. If mold issues persist, this can result in complaints from the tenants or, in the worst case, a lawsuit that deems your rental uninhabitable until the mold is dealt with. For this reason, regular inspections and timely repairs to leaks are necessary to maintain a safe living environment for your tenants.


Issue #2 Pests 

Heavy rainfall is oftentimes followed by an uptick in pests. This is typically because many pests look to homes for cover. Pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches can occasionally be seen in homes that would normally have no pests during the rest of the year. This may bring complaints from the tenants if not dealt with promptly.


The rain can also make for areas where pests thrive. For example, stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while termites thrive in damp wood. This can potentially cause severe damage to wooden structures, framing, and furniture. Not to mention, they’re incredibly annoying.


Pest infestations can lead to tenant dissatisfaction as well as potential property damage. However, preventive measures like regular pest control services and ensuring water isn't allowed to stagnate are crucial. If left unchecked, mice and rats can severely damage core systems such as the
HVAC system or electrical wiring. At the same time, termites can be expensive to eliminate once the rental is infested.


Issue #3 Tenant Satisfaction


Although there is nothing we can do to stop rain from falling, a tenant may be dissatisfied if the rain directly affects their stay at your rental. Water leaks or power outages caused by the rainy season can be problematic, especially if they have been reported previously. While older homes may have issues stemming from the age of the home, if the response to tenant complaints about weather-related issues is delayed, the landlord-tenant relationship may falter.


For this reason, prompt communication and addressing tenant concerns can help not only maintain trust but also keep your property in great shape. Preparing properties for the rainy season can reduce tenant complaints and operational disruptions. This means consistent income from your investment property.


It’s a good idea to inspect your rental property before the rain falls as a way to protect your investment from Mother Nature. If you need help with preventative measures for the rainy season or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our
Owner Application online.

Share this post

By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
Show More
Share by: