Help! My Roof Is Leaking!

Ventura County had very heavy downpours over the last few weeks and if you experienced a roof leak, you aren’t alone!

A roof leak can be a stressful time for tenants, and many may not know how to remain calm during the incident.

We have put together five steps to help tenants navigate experiencing a roof leak at their rental property.

CONTAIN THE LEAK:

If you have an active leak, whether small or large, it can cause damage. As soon as the leak is noticed tenants can be proactive to prevent damage to their personal belongings and rental property. Promptly remove all personal belongings from the area and try to contain the leak with a large container, bucket, or towels. By doing this you will prevent damage to the flooring and surrounding property.

PUNCTURE THE CEILING:

If the ceiling is sagging significantly from the water weight it is best to puncture it to release the water. Water continuing to collect in the ceiling can cause the leak to spread and result in significant damage. When you are ready to puncture the ceiling, make sure this is done safely with a sturdy ladder or step stool. Don’t forget to have your bucket ready to collect the water once you have punctured the ceiling!

CONTACT YOUR LANDLORD:

After you have addressed moving your personal belongings and containing the leak, contact your landlord immediately to report the issue. Inform your landlord of the precautionary steps you have taken and help them document the damage by taking photographs.

BE PATIENT:

As stressful as dealing with a roof leak is, tenants must remember that the roof leak cannot be repaired during an active storm. The rain creates a safety hazard for the roofing contractor and the leak cannot be tarped or repaired until after the rain has stopped. In the event of large storms, you can expect your landlord to receive a high number of calls and the roofer will need to address each repair based on the severity of the leak.

GET RENTERS INSURANCE:

If you don’t already have renters insurance, a roof leak is a great reminder of the importance of having a policy. Your landlord will not cover your personal property if damaged and having a renters insurance policy will relieve the financial burden if there is an emergency.