Emergencies are likely to happen at your Roseville property at some point, and unless you’re very lucky, they’ll probably happen over a weekend, on a holiday, or late at night. You need to make sure your tenants know exactly who to contact during emergencies, and how they should be reached. Most property management companies have a 24-hour emergency hotline that tenants can call if there’s a sudden flood, a tree crashing through the roof, or some other catastrophe.
Defining an Emergency
The person your tenant contacts needs to be able to quickly and correctly determine if the reported incident is actually an emergency. Floods and fires are emergencies and should be dealt with immediately. A lack of water or heat would also constitute an emergency, but a single toilet that doesn’t flush in a two-bathroom house can probably wait until business hours. Talk to your tenants about the emergency procedures when you’re signing the lease. Both of you should agree on what constitutes an emergency and what should be done.
Working with Vendors
An emergency plan needs a reliable vendor list. You’ll need plumbers, electricians, heating and air conditioning contractors, and other professionals who are willing to respond right away when emergencies occur. If you have these relationships in place before a maintenance emergency happens, you’ll be more likely to get someone who can help you.
Keeping the Property Habitable
As a landlord, you’re legally required to provide a safe and habitable home. Many maintenance issues that affect habitability are a matter of law, and you’re required to fix things within three business days. Don’t put off making repairs that pertain to the property’s habitability. Cosmetic issues can usually wait, but if an appliance is not functioning or a leak is turning into a flood, you need to respond immediately.
Make sure you’re willing to answer these emergency phone calls if you’re managing your rental property on your own. A Roseville property management company can take care of these issues for you, and provide you with peace of mind. If you have any questions about emergency maintenance or property management in Roseville, please contact us at Sunburst Properties. We offer professional property management in Roseville, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Sacramento and the surrounding areas.
