Everything feels more festive during the holiday season. This is where you will start decorating your rental property with string lights and plan gatherings. But what would happen if something breaks or goes wrong while you are celebrating? If you have travel plans, there is a possibility that such issues may happen while you are away as well. Learning how to prevent these issues can save you stress, time, and money. With that in mind, continue reading below as we learn the emergency contact protocols to have during the upcoming holiday season.
Differentiating Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Issues
First, you should understand the difference between an emergency and a non-urgent issue. Here’s how you can differentiate between them.
Common Urgent Issues
Any issues that threaten safety, endanger life, or cause significant property damage are considered to be emergency maintenance. Here are a few examples:
- Burst water pipes or flooding
Water can spread quickly. It can damage floors, walls, and even belongings. Tenants should try to shut off the water supply immediately and contact the landlord. If you are a landlord, you should treat this as an emergency.
- Gas leaks or strong gas smells
Gas smells should never be ignored. If there is a gas smell, tenants will need to contact 911 or local emergency services. Then they need to connect with the landlord and inform them. You should attend to such requests immediately, regardless of holidays.
- Loss of heat
The winter season can bring freezing temperatures. Loss of heat can make the living space uninhabitable and may also increase the risk of burst pipes. That is why you need to attend to such issues immediately, as soon as possible. Hence, you shouldn’t consider it as a comfort matter.
- Electrical hazards
Sparks, burning smells, and exposed wiring can lead you to fire risks. If your tenants encounter such issues, you need to inform tenants to cut power from the breaker box. Then they should call maintenance or emergency services. You must attend to the issue by making sure hazards won’t take place in the future.
Common Non-Urgent Issues
Now you know what the most common urgent issues are. Let’s explore some of the most common non-urgent issues.
- Dripping Faucet
A leaky faucet may be annoying and waste a small amount of water, but it does not require an immediate call for emergency maintenance. In most cases, it can wait until the next available regular service.
- Appliance Malfunction
Small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, or microwaves that stop working do not present immediate safety risks. These can be repaired or replaced during regular hours without urgent intervention.
- Cosmetic Repairs
Issues such as chipped paint, loose cabinet handles, or minor wall marks are purely aesthetic. They don’t affect safety or functionality and can be scheduled at the landlord’s convenience.
- Noisy HVAC System
If your heating or cooling system makes odd noises but still works normally, it’s a maintenance issue rather than an emergency. Report it promptly, but it can wait until standard service hours.
- Loose Door Handle
A slightly wobbly door handle still allows the door to function. Unless it prevents you from opening or securing the door entirely, it’s not a time-sensitive problem.
- Slow Draining Sink
A partially clogged sink drain that still allows water through is frustrating but manageable. You can use temporary fixes such as strainers until repairs are scheduled.
Importance of Proactive Planning to Address Emergencies in Your Rental
Holiday readiness isn’t just about gift-wrapping. It is also about setting up solid emergency plans. Here are some proactive steps that tenants can follow to reduce the risk.
Know Your Shut-Offs
Locate and mark your water shut-off valve, gas shut-off point, and electrical breaker box. If a pipe bursts while you’re putting up the tree or a holiday meal causes an electrical overload, knowing where to shut things off safely can protect you before help arrives. If you’re traveling during the holidays, shut off water supplies to prevent leaks in an empty home.
Safety Equipment Location
Check that you know exactly where to find smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them before the holidays begin. This is especially important if you plan to host guests or do extensive cooking. If you decorate it with candles or use a space heater, a functioning smoke alarm could be your most important safeguard.
Winterizing
If your rental is in a colder climate, winterizing is crucial before the holidays. This includes insulating exposed pipes, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and ensuring heating systems are serviced. Frozen pipes can cause major damage and will absolutely qualify as an emergency if they burst mid-celebration.
Holiday Decor Safety
Holiday decorations are joyful, but they can be fire hazards if used incorrectly. Avoid overloading outlets, keep live trees watered, and make sure cords aren’t frayed. Keep decorations away from heat sources and turn off lights and electrical décor before leaving the home or going to bed.
You need to properly document what should happen during an emergency as well. Bay Property Management Group Northern Virginia suggests reviewing your rental agreement for specific emergency repair and reimbursement clauses. This will help you protect yourself against expensive lawsuits and other similar issues.
Final Words
Dealing with emergencies during the holiday season can be stressful. However, proper contact protocols make them more manageable. You need to define what qualifies as urgent and what does not, since you need to ensure that tenants have appropriate contact numbers for you, property managers, and emergency services. Then they can take proactive action and get ready for the holiday season. Put this plan into action before the season begins. That’s because the best emergency response is one that’s ready before you need it.
