Some parts of North Carolina might get beautiful fluffy snow or not get snow at all. But when winter weather hits Raleigh, with its mix of ice, snow, and freezing rain, it can leave property owners wondering: Is my property safe? Prepared? Do I need to pay for repairs?
Whether you’re renting out a home or managing a rental property, understanding your responsibilities as a property owner versus those of your tenant can prevent costly misunderstandings and repairs. At Oak City Properties, we want to break it down for you so that you’re prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
Understanding Property Owner Responsibilities
As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes making sure the home is winter-ready and safe for tenants.
1. Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts
Winter storms can bring heavy ice and snow buildup, which may damage the roof or cause gutters to pull away from the home. If ice dams form and water backs up, resulting in leaks, you’ll likely need to handle those repairs. While preventive maintenance like cleaning the gutters in the fall and inspecting the roof can minimize risks, the ultimate responsibility for major structural repairs usually falls on the property owner.
Pro Tip: Schedule a roof inspection before winter begins to avoid costly surprises.
2. HVAC Systems
Ensuring that the heating system is in good working order is also your responsibility. If the furnace fails during a cold snap, tenants will expect a quick response, and rightly so. Regular HVAC maintenance not only keeps tenants happy but also extends the life of your system.
Prevention Tip: Replace filters regularly and have the system serviced at least once a year.
Tenant Responsibilities During Winter
Tenants also have a role to play when it comes to preventing and managing winter weather issues. While you handle the big-ticket maintenance, tenants are generally responsible for day-to-day upkeep, including:
1. Heating the Home Properly
It’s crucial that tenants maintain a reasonable temperature in the home to prevent frozen pipes. If pipes freeze because tenants turned the heat off while on vacation, the responsibility for any resulting damage may fall on them.
2. Clearing Walkways and Driveways
In many lease agreements, tenants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways to prevent slips and falls. Make sure your lease outlines these expectations clearly to avoid confusion.
Who Handles Frozen Pipes?
This is a common winter issue that can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.
- If the pipes freeze despite proper precautions: The repair is typically the property owner’s responsibility.
- If the pipes freeze due to negligence (e.g., tenants turned off the heat): The tenant may be held responsible for some or all of the repair costs.
To minimize risk, consider installing pipe insulation and asking tenants to keep faucets dripping during extreme cold to keep water flowing.
What About Storm Damage?
Winter storms can bring down trees or send branches crashing onto roofs or fences. In most cases, damage caused by acts of nature (like falling trees during an ice storm) is your responsibility as the property owner. Your insurance may cover the repairs, but make sure your policy is up-to-date and that you understand what’s covered.
Setting Clear Expectations with Your Lease Agreement
A clear, comprehensive lease agreement is the best way to set expectations for winter weather responsibilities. Some key points to include:
- Who is responsible for clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways
- Instructions for maintaining adequate heat in the home
- How to report maintenance issues (especially emergencies)
- Tenant responsibilities during extreme weather (like leaving cabinet doors open near pipes)
At Oak City Properties, we ensure that our clients’ lease agreements cover these details, leaving no room for confusion. We can also provide guidance if you’re unsure whether your current lease is comprehensive enough.
Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
Winter in Raleigh can be unpredictable, but being proactive can make all the difference. As your trusted property management team, we’re here to help you stay on top of seasonal maintenance and protect your investment. Whether it’s scheduling preventive maintenance or handling emergency repairs, Oak City Properties has you covered.
If you have any questions about winter weather responsibilities or need help updating your lease agreement, give us a call or reach out online. We’ll make sure your property, and your peace of mind, stays intact all season long.
Oak City Properties is Here to Help
At Oak City Properties, we’re here to support your real estate journey, whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just starting. We provide custom solutions and competitive quotes that tailor our services to what you really need. Our full property management service will work with you each step of the way when renting and maintaining your property. We believe hiring a property management company should be a transparent process built on trust and doing our absolute best to take care of your investment.
Want to learn more about our commitment to effective real estate investing and property management? Contact us today via the form below or call (919) 232-9222.
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