3 Worst Hazards in Rental Properties and How to Fix Them
When attempting to keep track of a rental property investments in addition to your own residence, it can be overwhelming. There are a multitude of common hazards that can be found in a rental property that is or is not continuously being lived in.
Dealing with these issues can be time consuming and difficult, which is why we’ve outlined just a few of the worst hazards to look out for, so that you can catch them early and keep enjoying the benefits of your rental property stress-free!
1. Mold or Fungus
Often times with a rental property, for the purpose of saving money, you might not want to run the air or heat all day every day. This is a common practice among property owners who rent out seasonally. Because of this though, mold or fungus can grow easily in that space.
The ideal environment for mold growth is damp or humid, with low ventilation. When the air isn’t running for a few months at a time and no one is going in or outside of a home or rental property, especially during rainy seasons where there is increased moisture and humidity, mold can grow quickly and cause serious damage to the property.
Mold is not simply an issue due to appearances—it also creates allergens and irritants.
These allergens produced by mold or fungus by releasing spores can damage the health of anyone who breathes them in. The health detriments range from mild to severe, depending on length and severity of exposure. This means it is crucial for owners of homes, rental properties, or commercial properties to prevent mold growth or to rectify the situation immediately.
Finding a company capable of removing the hazard is crucial to returning the property to a livable state and reducing health risks. You want to ensure that the company you choose having the training and expertise to ensure that mold removal occurs in a timely, thorough manner.
2. Water Damage
The number one cause of foundational mold is water damage. Water damage can occur from a wide array of unfortunate accidents or structural issues in the foundation of the property. Some of the most common things to look out for when attempting to prevent or preempt water damage are the plumbing and pipe systems.
Pipe leakage is very common, and over time can lead to pooling of water. When water pools up inside an area with little ventilation like an attic or inside the walls of a property, it creates the perfect conditions for mold growth.
Another possible cause of water damage is if there are any issues with the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning units, plumbing system, or other appliances. Flooding or excess rain due to natural disasters or storms is also a major cause of water damage.
The easiest way to prevent water damage that would lead to mold growth is to hire an expert to check up on the pipes and appliances in a property as often as possible, and to check areas with low ventilation like attics or basements to ensure that there is no water pooling. You should also have someone check the ceilings and floors for signs of water stains, dripping water, or puddles, especially during and after heavy rain storms.
3. Pests
Water damage and mold can make a property appealing to a number of insects and creatures that thrive in low-ventilation, high-humidity areas. The best way to handle these situations is to go to the source.
If there are insects and bugs making a home in your rental property, the property is most likely also home to water damage. Handling the water damage means that once the pests are gone, they won’t return.
Simply getting rid of mosquitos or other pests without dealing with the foundational water damage will be temporary, as insects and bugs will find their way back to the property. Hiring a pest control company to inspect the house and deal with possible pests is the best way to prevent as well as rectify these situations.
