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Charleston Property Management | Protecting Investment Properties From Flood Water (Scott Properties)

Charleston Property Management | Protecting Investment Properties From Flood Water 

Charleston Property Management | A property manager in Charleston, South Carolina, must be aware of the protections they must take against floodwater in rental homes. Hurricane season can often be rough on Charleston, and heavy storms can damage investment properties that a property manager needs to look after. Luckily, there are a few things that a property manager can do to protect your investment home from damage. 

  1. Maintain the Gutter System- Gutters collect the water from the roof and channel it away from the home so that your roof does not become waterlogged. Gutter maintenance is the single best way to avoid roof leaks and damage. Add downspout extensions to move water further away from your home and prevent basement flooding. 
  2. Educate Tenants- A good property manager needs to make sure the tenants living in the home are educated on what to do in the case of flooding. Their first step should be to shut off the gas and electricity to reduce fire risk and electrocution. Make sure tenants know the emergency maintenance number and that someone is available to answer those calls, especially during storm season. 
  3. Inspect- The property manager needs to inspect the home periodically, and even more often in storm season, for leaks, cracks, and other flood damage risks. Roof leaks and foundational seal cracks should be fixed as soon as possible. 
  4. Sump Pumps- Every rental property should have a basement sump pump. Sump pumps can also be installed in the low points in your driveway and carports. You can even put sump pumps in your landscaping to keep water from logging in your gardens and yard. 
  5. Flood Equipment- Every property manager should have access to wet/dry vacuums, large circulating fans, mops, and buckets. If your property is flooded chances are others in the area will be too, and water cleanup companies may be swamped. The property manager needs to be able to deploy a maintenance team to start the cleanup. 

If you’re interested in working with a knowledgeable property manager for your home, call Scott Properties at 843-352-8341.