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What To Do To Your Rental Home When Freezing Temperatures Are Expected

What To Do To Your Rental Home When Freezing Temperatures Are Expected

WE ARE EXPECTING FREEZING TEMPERATURES TONIGHT 
- traducido más abajo -

Please read the following measure that YOU can take to prevent burst water pipes and other temperature-related issues:

RESIDENTS IN SINGLE FAMILY HOMES and DUPLEXES
1.  Cover all outside water spigots (a/k/a hose bib, water tab, sill cock). There should be styrofoam covers in your garage from the previous winter, otherwise, you can purchase them very inexpensively at Home Depot or Lowes. This would require you to remove your hose from the spigot.
2.  Irrigation/sprinkler systems for the lawn MUST be shut off to avoid frozen pipes and a potentially very expensive repair.

ALL RESIDENTS
1.  If you have sinks on an outside wall, leave cabinet doors open under all sinks to allow heat to get to the plumbing.
2.  Keep all windows closed.
3.  "Drip" all your water faucets at a steady drip of about 1 drop every 2 to 3 seconds. This includes cold and hot water faucets in all sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc. NOTE: When others in the city drip their faucets, water pressure may drop and you may have to open your faucets more.
4.  If you have a washer and dryer on an outside wall/patio/in an exterior room, follow these steps to prevent those water lines from freezing and breaking:
-   Turn both the hot and cold water lines off.
-   Disconnect these water lines from the back of your washing machine.
-   Place both water lines into the drain pipe (in the wall) behind the washing machine.
-   Turn both water lines back on to a steady drip (see #2 above).
-   When you want to wash clothes, remember to reconnect the water lines.
5.  Leave all drains open, including sinks and bathtubs.
6.  Bring in potted and hanging plants.
7.  Notify management ASAP if you notice any unusual water leaks or pooling anywhere.
8.  BE CAREFUL about ice on steps and sidewalks. Hold onto railings, walk on grass or gravel if you're not sure about "black ice," and be especially careful when wearing smooth-soled shoes. Rock salt, sand and clean cat litter can be used on ice to prevent slipping.

NOTE:  As authorized in the Lease, management may enter apartments for spot checks.


DAMAGE TO YOUR PROPERTY AND RENTERS INSURANCE

1) Water expands when frozen. If the pipes in your apartment or in a unit above or next to you burst from frozen water, there can be substantial water damage to your property, other residents' property, and the owner's property. You could be liable for such damages (and any related damages caused by mold or mildew) if you have negligently failed to take preventive measures. 2) The landlord's policy is casualty insurance on the building itself and cannot legally cover damages to your personal property. 3) You are required, as per your Lease, to keep your renters policy in full force until you move out. As a friendly reminder, if you are on the basic Great American policy through Appfolio, this policy does NOT cover damage to your personal belongings.

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