An Ounce of Prevention .....

A seasoned landlord shared his experiences at the last move out.
His tenant had been in the property long enough to have two more children, and now was moving into a bigger property.
And this landlord could see what was coming next.
“Long-term tenants always seem to do a bad job when they move out,” he explains.
In fact, the longer someone has been a tenant, the harder it is to remember what the place looked like before they moved in, or what the lease says about the move out.
This case was no exception. “I was at the property a couple days before the move doing some repairs,” he continues. “I don’t think this tenant understood that cleaning was her responsibility.”
Of course, every tenant wants their deposit back. The move out can quickly lead to a landlord tenant dispute.
Here, our landlord asked the tenant if she would like to do a walk thru a little early–a “pre-walk thru” if you will, so the landlord could counsel her on what would need to happen in order to get the deposit back. “I really didn’t want to be the one cleaning this up,” he says.
Propping a baby on her lap, the tenant took copious notes, and then got to work.
In the end the unit was clean as a whistle, and the tenant will be getting her deposit back– a true win-win.

Dealing with Flooded Basements

As noted in the previous post, Governor Deval Patrick declared Massachusetts was in a state of emergency after 2 major rains storms this past month of March. If your basement has undergone a flood, the first step is to remove the water. If the flooding is minor, then all you need to do is mop the wet areas up with a mop or old towels. However, if the flooding is major, it’s time to bring out the big weapons.

If you don’t have one of the following: portable sump pump, wet vacuum, or wet shop vacuum, go to the store and purchase one or see if you can borrow one from someone that you know. Additionally, places are available where you can rent these. Look in your local telephone book for contact information if you decide to rent the equipment.

You need to consider a few things when determining which equipment you are going to use. The sump pump will require an outlet for the water to be removed. Realize that if your basement is flooding, then the existing drains in your basement may be inaccessible for draining purposes. You will probable need to obtain a long hose to attach to the sump pump so that you can hang it out the window and as far away from the home as possible.

If you select the wet vacuum, realize that it will only be a matter of minutes before you have to empty the holding receptacle. The wet shop vacuum will hold more water, but it will be heavier and more difficult to empty, especially if you are trying to empty the water outside of the home. Make your decision wisely.

Once you have the equipment that you need, begin to remove the water. The best place to begin is most likely the area that is going to sustain the most damage if the water sits. Another option is to begin on the highest section of the room where the water is the lowest and work your way in to the larger pools of water.

If the rain has stopped, open the windows to allow moisture in the air to escape. This will help with the drying out process. Once the water has been removed from the floor of the basement, it is time to begin drying the area as completely as possible ass quickly as possible.

If your heating system has not been affected by the flooding, turn the heat to a higher setting to help with the drying out process. However, remember to open the windows to allow the moisture in the air to escape. Using heat will evaporate the water into the air and the air will become humid and dense with moisture.

Consider using fans to circulate the air and speed up the drying process. Place the fans in such a way that the air is blown away and out rather than into the room. This will help to prevent the growth of mild and mildew.

Another option to speed up the drying out process is to use a dehumidifier. It’s important to close the windows and doors when using a dehumidifier so that it works properly. Keep an eye on the dehumidifier’s holding container and empty it as frequently as is necessary. Once the dehumidifier no longer extracts any moisture from the room, place it in another area of the basement and begin again.

You may need to call in a professional if your heating system sustained water damage. Most likely, your homeowner’s policy requires that it be cleaned by a professional prior to operating it again.

Tips for Avoiding Wind Damage to your Properties

Extreme winds brought on by tornados, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and winter storms can cause serious damage to property and may very well place you or others at risk. Don't wait until it's too late. Wind-proofing your properties is a smart way to prevent damage. Below is a checklist can help you evaluate your needs.

During high winds, wind speeds fluctuate and winds may change directions. This puts enormous pressure on all parts of a building. Keeping your house well sealed on the outside will prevent wind from getting into your home and causing damage. In addition, debris carried by high winds can penetrate your home, causing damage and possible injury.

Start at the Top
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your house. The connection between the roof and walls must be strong enough to resist the "uplift" effect of strong winds. Have a building professionally inspected, and install specially designed metal connectors that are appropriate for your roof type (gabled or flat) and wall construction (wood or masonry).

Make sure the roof sheathing is properly installed. From the attic check to make sure the nails penetrate the rafters or trusses. You may need to renail some of the sheathing.

Protect the Windows and Doors
Windows should be protected to reduce the risk of damage or injury caused by flying debris and pressure changes. Here are some options: permanent storm shutters or temporary plywood covers. In the event of an emergency, permanent storm shutters can be quickly and easily closed to protect the windows. Temporary plywood covers are more economical, but are less convenient and attractive. Don't forget to cover any glass sliding doors, French doors, and skylights.

Check to be sure your entry door is secured with at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock. Solid wood or hollow metal doors are more likely to resist wind pressure and flying debris.

Don't Forget the Yard
Trim the trees around your house that could pose a threat by falling or hitting your home. Put away any yard furniture, barbecue grills, tools, toys, and anything else that could become a flying missile. If you are planning to plant new trees in your yard, try to choose varieties that can withstand high winds.

Garage Doors
Garage doors (particularly two-car) are also vulnerable to damage from high winds. If installing a new garage door, be sure to get one that's designed to withstand high winds. For an existing door, there are fitted bracing kits available to provide additional support.