There are a number of preventative maintenance measures you can take to protect your rental home when you have tenants in place, or even just in general. Lately, we have had severe storms in Marin, causing extreme damage to properties. We haven’t seen weather like this in a while. There are a few things you can do before you rent out your property and throughout the year. We’re sharing some of those tips with you today from the perspective of a professional Marin property management company.

Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning out your gutters is an easy measure to take that basically protects your home from the potential for water damage. Before the winter starts and just after winter ends, you want to thoroughly clean out your gutters. Get rid of all the dirt and debris that gets trapped in there. You’ll be surprised at what gathers, especially if trees are over your house. I’ve pulled buckets of stuff out of my gutters, and I actually found a plant growing there.

Exterior Drains

Keep exterior drains clean. If you have storm drains on your property or perimeter drains around your property, make sure they’re clean. Take a look at them before the rainy season starts and during the course of the season. Keep checking because debris will get in there, water will gather, and there may be flooding around the property.

Tree Care

Make sure your trees are trimmed. Get rid of any dead wood that you find. Trees will be a major source of damage, especially during storms. So, prune them constantly and clear out any wood and branches.

We also recommend that if your property is on a slab or prone to moisture, you supply a dehumidifier for your tenants to use in closets or any place that moisture can accumulate. When it’s used correctly, this is a great tool to prevent additional moisture and mold.

If you have any questions about property management in Marin or how to protect your property with preventative maintenance, please contact us at Foundation Rentals and Relocation.