Steven Peros
Property Management Trends for the New Year

At this point in the year, it’s likely that you’ve prepared your property or even multiple properties for the winter. As seasoned property managers know, taking preventative measures doesn’t stop when the first snow hits. Regardless of how much time and effort you put into keeping your property in good condition throughout the milder season, there’s always more to do to protect it in the cold months. 

Property Management Trends for the New Year
Steven Peros
Important Winter Maintenance Tips for Property ...

At this point in the year, it’s likely that you’ve prepared your property or even multiple properties for the winter. As seasoned property managers know, taking preventative measures doesn’t stop when the first snow hits. Regardless of how much time and effort you put into keeping your property in good condition throughout the milder season, there’s always more to do to protect it in the cold months. 

Important Winter Maintenance Tips for Property Managers

fire safety

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Condo Living — In Case of an Emergency — Water/Electrical

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WATER LEAK

Water leaks in buildings can be very damaging and costly to owners, so take the time to familiarize yourself with all shutoff valve locations.

WHEN A LEAK OCCURS

Close all the shut-off valves in your unit including main valve, and secondary valves that exist in your unit such as individual sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, toilets, and refrigerator.

Notify your property manager or building manager immediately. Mop up and collect any continuing water leakage to minimize water damage to your unit and neighbouring units.

NON-EMERGENCY LEAKAGE

If water leaks from faucet/reservoir into sinks/toilets you should notify the property manager to ensure that it is not causing water damage. It is usually the owner's responsibility to organize to have leaks fixed by a licensed and insured plumber.

DURING A POWER OUTAGE

Locate your electrical panel as well as trip-switches on specific power outlets.

Check if the outage is limited to your unit, check the individual breakers in your electrical panel as well as trip-switches on specific power outlets. If your neighbours' power is also out, notify the property manager or building manager and your local hydro authority.

Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment. Turn your thermostat(s) down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.

Turn off all lights, except one, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored. Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.

Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.

Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.

Listen to your battery-powered or wind-up radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities.