As a property manager, you are responsible for maintaining the safety and livability of rental properties. However, structural and foundation damage can occur even with the best preventative measures in place. In these instances, it is essential to understand your role in addressing and resolving these issues.
Here is a breakdown of the role of property managers in addressing structural and foundation damage:
- Early Detection: Early detection is critical when it comes to addressing structural and foundation damage. Property managers should periodically conduct routine inspections to identify signs of damage, including cracks in walls, cracks in brick, uneven flooring, or doors and windows that no longer work correctly. Additionally, tenants should be encouraged to report any signs of structural or foundation damage immediately. Early detection can lead to cost-effective solutions and prevent further damage.
- Assessing the Severity of the Damage: Once structural or foundation damage is detected, property managers need to assess the severity of the damage. A full and professional inspection should be done by a reputable foundation repair company to determine the extent of the damage and the underlying cause of it. This will help determine the necessary repair methods and associated costs.
- Implementation of Cost-Effective Solutions: After the assessment, the implementation of cost-effective solutions is the next step. Property managers have the responsibility of identifying and implementing the appropriate corrective measures to address the damage. In cases of foundation damage, solutions may include underpinning with resistance piers or bowing wall stabilization with carbon fiber straps,
- Maintaining Communication with Tenants: During the repair process, it is essential to communicate with tenants about the damage and the estimated repair timeline. Tenants may have to adjust their living arrangements temporarily, and it is crucial to keep them informed to minimize stress and inconvenience. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and ease tensions that may arise from disrupting tenants' lives.
- Keeping Accurate Records: Property managers must keep accurate records of all inspections, assessments, and repairs done on the property. These records show evidence of the action taken to address structural and foundation damage, which will come in handy in case there is a dispute between the property owner and tenants.
- Preventive Measures: Apart from responding to structural and foundation damage cases, property managers also play an important role in implementing preventive measures. For example, ensuring proper drainage around the property's perimeter, ensuring trees are planted at least twenty feet away from the foundation, and understanding the type of soil the property is built on can help prevent foundation damage. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help identify potential issues before they get worse.
Property managers play an important role when addressing structural and foundation damage in rental properties, often serving as the first line of defense. Early detection, assessment, implementation of cost-effective solutions, communication with tenants, record keeping, and preventive measures are imperative in addressing structural and foundation damage. As a property manager, you are responsible for ensuring the rental property is safe and livable for tenants by addressing any damage promptly and resolving it effectively.
You Can Trust the Team at United Structural Systems
If you are a property manager and suspect structural or foundation damage in your rental property, do not hesitate to act. Contact a foundation repair professional to inspect the property and recommend the appropriate solution. Protect your tenants and your investment. Don't wait until it's too late. Call the foundation repair team at United Structural Systems at (615) 307-9510 or contact us online today!