Rental Property Hurricane & Natural Disaster Preparation Checklist

The last few weeks have been crazy for property managers and rental property owners in Saint Petersburg, FL! Our recent close encounter with a hurricane emphasizes the importance of having a solid preparation plan for rental properties and their tenants. Preparing rental properties for natural disasters is crucial to ensure the safety of your tenants and protect your investment. Here are some steps Local Life Properties takes into account when preparing our Saint Petersburg, FL rental properties for various types of natural disasters:

1. Assess Local Risks:

   • Start by understanding the types of natural disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. These could include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, or winter storms.

2. Review Insurance Coverage:

   • Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for the specific natural disasters that are common in your region. Regularly review and update your policies to ensure they are up-to-date and provide sufficient protection.

3. Emergency Plan:

   • Create an emergency plan that outlines the steps tenants should take in case of a natural disaster. Provide tenants with a copy of this plan and encourage them to familiarize themselves with it.

4. Communication:

   • Establish a reliable means of communication with your tenants. Ensure they have your contact information and know how to reach you in case of an emergency.

5. Building Inspection and Maintenance:

   • Regularly inspect the property for structural issues, such as loose or damaged roofing, siding, or windows. Make necessary repairs to ensure the property can withstand severe weather conditions.

6. Secure Outdoor Items:

   • Secure or store outdoor items such as patio furniture, grills, and trash cans to prevent them from becoming projectiles during high winds.

7. Storm Shutters or Reinforcements:

   • Consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing windows and doors to protect against hurricanes, tornadoes, and strong winds.

8. Flood Protection:

   • If your property is located in a flood-prone area, consider installing flood barriers, sump pumps, and elevating electrical systems and utilities to minimize flood damage.

9. Emergency Supplies:

   • Consider providing tenants with emergency supply kits that include essentials like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food and water.

10. Education and Training:

    • Offer tenants resources and training on how to prepare for specific disasters. For example, provide guidelines on evacuation routes, shelter locations, and safety protocols.

11. Emergency Generators:

    • In areas prone to power outages during disasters, consider installing emergency generators to ensure essential systems like sump pumps, refrigeration, and lighting continue to function.

12. Regular Inspections and Maintenance:

    • Conduct regular property inspections to identify and address potential hazards or maintenance issues promptly.

13. Tenant Awareness and Responsibilities:

    • Educate tenants about their responsibilities in preparing for natural disasters, such as keeping emergency exits clear, reporting maintenance issues promptly, and following safety guidelines.

14. Evacuation Plans:

    • If evacuation might be necessary, provide tenants with information on evacuation routes and emergency shelters.

15. Emergency Contacts:

    • Maintain a list of emergency contacts for local authorities, utility companies, and maintenance personnel that tenants can use during disasters.

16. Documentation:

    • Keep detailed records of property maintenance, repairs, and inspections related to disaster preparedness. This documentation can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims or legal matters.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure the safety of your tenants and protect your rental property during natural disasters. It's essential to stay informed about local risks and continuously update your preparedness plans and measures as needed.

If you have any questions or comments about this checklist, feel free to reach out to us! We love talking real estate!

Local Life Properties

Property Management

Saint Petersburg, FL

561-312-6624

Info@LocalLifeProperties.com