During New Zealand’s rainy season, heavy storms can cause water damage to the exterior of rental homes. The impact of water damage can be enormous. In addition to ruining the tenant’s possessions, water damage can result in the growth of mould inside the home, can increase the rate of decay of roofing materials and can negatively impact the foundations of the rental home. Both landlords and tenants should take the necessary steps to protect rental homes and possessions from possible water damage.

Working Together to Minimise Water Damage

Both landlords and tenants can take steps to help protect a rental home from the rain. With everyone working together, minor problems with the house can be fixed quickly.

A landlord should inspect their rental property at least twice a year. You should visually inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles and shakes. You should also clear out any leaves, mud and debris from gutters as they can clog up your roof’s drainage system. When a downspout becomes clogged, water can overflow around the gutter along the roof’s edge and move down the exterior wall of the home, causing structural damage.

In addition, it is always a good idea to perform an evaluation of the exterior walls of the property. Rain can get into the home through any small cracks in the walls. If the water then freezes in the cold winter temperatures, which is common in areas located at the higher altitudes of New Zealand’s North Island and in the mountain regions of the country’s South Island, the frozen water will expand and enlarge the cracks.

Tenants can also minimise water damage by taking extra precautions when they see a storm approaching.  If you see cracks along windowsills or door frames where draughts and water can get in, a draft stopper is a cheap and simple tool to keep the moisture outside. After a heavy storm, give the rental home a quick once over to see if there are any missing shingles or other damage. If there are any issues, contact your landlord immediately so the problems can be resolve

Protect Your Possessions from Water Damage

Landlords in New Zealand should have landlord insurance to help pay for any financial losses caused by storm and water damage. Nonetheless, tenants should also look into investing in tenant insurance to protect their valuables. Landlord insurance will not cover a tenant’s damaged possessions. By taking this extra precaution, both landlords and tenants can have peace of mind that their rental home and belongings will be safe when the next rainy season hits.