Water damage. That’s a phrase that can trigger any rental property owner in Florida. From sudden tropical downpours to hidden plumbing failures, water damage can cause costly repairs, create disruption for your tenants, and decrease property value.
We don’t want to mess around with water. And that’s why as local property management experts, we establish and follow proactive maintenance around plumbing inspections and storm preparation. We know that with smart planning, property owners can significantly reduce their risk.
Here’s what we can tell you about how to protect your rental property from water damage and all the expenses that come with it.
Understand the Risks of Water Damage in Florida
Florida’s coasts are well-known for beaches and palm trees, and the inland part of Central Florida has some of the most beautiful lakes around for fishing and boating. We may not be an island, but with water on three sides of the Sunshine State, we rank among the top U.S. states for rainfall and storm activity. Tropical storms and hurricanes can unleash inches of rain in a short time, overwhelming drainage systems and damaging roofs and foundations.
At the same time, older plumbing systems, poor construction, and deferred maintenance can create serious problems inside the property. Rental property owners must account for both external and internal water threats. From heavy rain, flooding, rising groundwater, poor drainage, roof leaks, and wind-driven rain to bursting pipes, leaking fixtures, HVAC condensation, water heater failures, and faulty appliances, there’s a lot to worry about when it comes to your property and its protection.
Inspect and Maintain the Roof Regularly
Your roof is the first line of defense against Florida’s tropical rain. Even a minor roof leak can cause major interior damage over time, so have your roof professionally inspected at least once a year. We like to schedule this for the properties we manage before hurricane season rolls around.
We also ask our roofers to look for missing shingles and pooled water. We’re quick to respond to signs of sagging. Any overhanging trees need to be trimmed because dropped branches during storms can not only damage the roof but also lead to the growth of moss and mold. Always ensure gutters are clean and securely attached so they can direct water away from the property.
Protecting your property from water damage starts with this kind of preventative maintenance.
Install and Maintain a Proper Drainage System
Drainage isn’t the most beautiful thing to think about, but Florida’s flat terrain makes proper drainage essential. Without it, water can pool near the foundation, seep into crawl spaces, or flood homes. Some of our preventative measures include:
- Grading the soil to slope away from the home or building.
- Installing French drains or swales, which can be good for properties prone to flooding.
- Checking that downspouts discharge water at least 4–6 feet from the foundation.
Check for Leaks Inside the Property
Leaks often go unnoticed until significant damage is done. Talk to tenants so they know to be responsive as soon as a leak or even a funny drip is noticed. Be proactive in inspecting plumbing fixtures, appliances, and HVAC systems.
When you’re inspecting the property, look:
- Under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Around water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
- Near the base of toilets and bathtubs.
- Inside walls—look for bubbling paint, mold, or musty odors.
- In ceilings below bathrooms or laundry areas in two-story properties.
Encourage tenants to report leaks promptly and consider including regular maintenance checks in your lease agreement.
Upgrade Plumbing Components Sooner Rather Than Later
Many Florida rental homes are a bit older, and they still have outdated plumbing that’s more prone to failure. We want to update that plumbing as soon as problems are detected. Before that, even, if possible. Modern solutions will include the replacement of old galvanized steel pipes with modern PEX or copper. It’s also possible, thanks to new technology, to install water leak detection devices under sinks and behind appliances. This can be a huge benefit. There are also smart water shut-off valves that automatically stop water flow in case of a detected leak.
These upgrades come with a cost, but your investment could prevent far more expensive damage later on.
Maintain Your HVAC System
The heating and cooling unit in your rental property is one of your most expensive systems, and in Florida’s humid climate, HVAC systems run year-round. Condensation lines can clog or overflow. Prevent water damage and protect your HVAC system in these ways:
- Schedule bi-annual HVAC maintenance with a licensed technician.
- Ensure the condensate drain line is clear and draining properly.
- Install a float switch that shuts the system off if the drain pan overflows.
- Insulate ductwork and pipes to prevent condensation buildup in attics or crawl spaces.
If you don’t already have a maintenance agreement in place with an HVAC technician, we highly recommend it.
Prepare for Hurricane Season
From June until the end of November, we wait for news of the next storm.
Every rental property owner must take hurricane preparedness seriously. Tropical storms can dump inches of water within hours and often come with little warning. No part of Florida is immune. While you might feel safe in a spot like Orlando because it’s unlikely to be a direct hit, we have seen from recent storms that inland communities can sustain a lot of damage from rain and rising water levels in creeks, rivers, and lakes. Put together a preparation checklist:
- Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows.
- Clear gutters and drains before any major storm.
- Store sandbags and plastic sheeting in case of emergency.
- Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles.
- Make sure your tenants know how to report water issues immediately during or after a storm.
We trust that you have an emergency plan in place for hurricane season, and we recommend that preventing water damage is at the top of it.
Water damage does more than financial damage. It displaces tenants and leaves you and your investment vulnerable. Let’s make sure you’re not making it too easy for water to cause trouble.
Contact us at Park Avenue Property Management. We provide exceptional leasing, management, and maintenance expertise in Celebration, Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, and throughout Central Florida.
