Renting is all fun and games until your property is damaged due to flooding. Many people choose to rent in order to save money, but failing to waterproof the basement of your rental property can be a costly mistake.
Here are seven reasons why it’s important to have basement waterproofing in your rental property.
Provides Protection Against Structural Damage
Water damage can completely destroy the foundations of a rental property, as flooding can cause wood to swell and expand due to prolonged exposure to water. This water damage can then affect the basement’s floors and other vital components that make the unit livable and structurally sound. When renting a property, it’s best to avoid this damage before it occurs. Basement waterproofing is essential to ensuring your living environment is safe and protected.
Water Damage Can Ruin A Property’s Aesthetic
Water damage can completely destroy and distort a property’s look, reducing it to a shadow of its former glory. For instance, when painted wood is exposed to water for prolonged periods, the paint can splinter and peel.
This can be especially tricky to repair when renting because the property is under the ownership of someone else. Instead of risking a major change to a property you’re renting and do not own, it’s better to protect the property from a potential tragedy and waterproof it.
Mold Thrives On Water Damage
Mother nature has created some truly breathtaking specimens, but mold is not one of them. Mold forms when wet or damp surfaces do not properly dry. Not only is mold visually disgusting, it’s also potentially dangerous.
Some forms of mold like black and yellow mold that can develop from basement flooding may release spores that are harmful to breathe in, and lead to health conditions like asthma or skin irritation. Mold is also a big issue from the perspective of the homeowner, because it must be removed to ensure the property is safe for tenants to live in.
Critters Love Water
Almost 60% of the human body is made up of water. We love it, we need it, but we’re not the only ones who require a constant source of H2O. Basement flooding can lead to invasions of all sorts of pests, such as cockroaches and millipedes. When your basement floods, it becomes a haven for critters who may decide to move in and breed, and once an infestation has taken hold, it’s hard to exterminate. If you waterproof your basement, you’re helping to prevent this problem before it even begins.
Renovation Costs
When renting a property, the last thing you want to discuss with the owner is how much money you owe them for renovations. If the object of renting is to save money and create a life of convenience, leaving the home you’re renting susceptible to damages directly works against your goals.
One way to avoid any unforeseen expenses when renting a house is by waterproofing.
Renovations could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the property and the extent of the damage. Of course, these costs may be covered by the property owner; it depends whether your actions have led to the water damage, or whether it’s an unresolved issue for the landlord to fix.
To Ensure Return On Investment
While renting, you’re still likely investing in your living spaces and possessions. You may purchase furniture, televisions, and all sorts of recreational or sentimental items to keep in the basement area of the property.
Waterproofing the basement provides a form of insurance against damage to your personal belongings. It’s crucial because losing personal belongings to flooding or water damage could have a negative effect on your finances.
Storm Damage
A few hours of bad weather can change a person’s life. The United States in particular has seen unprecedented natural disasters in the last few years. If the basement of the property you’re renting is not protected against these disasters, both the property and your family could be devastated. Weather can be tracked and predicted, but no one can truly know how detrimental it is until it hits.
Thus, don’t wait until a storm has flooded your basement before you consider waterproofing. Protecting it against storm damage in advance could save you time, money, and heartache.
Still Not Convinced?
Picture this. You’re looking into renting your dream property. You’ve found a place that’s just as you’ve always envisioned. The rent is affordable. The owner is pleasant. Your partner and/or child loves the space, too. You cannot wait to move in.
But every tenant must be prepared for. One day, after a night of bad weather, you make your way down to the basement of the property and discover it’s completely flooded.
Your personal belongings are damaged. Some sentimental items have been completely destroyed. There is clear structural damage to the property. The walls have been wet and may soon grow mold. There’s nothing to do but take a huge financial loss and have a tough conversation with the homeowner.
This nightmare can easily be prevented.
Save yourself time, money, and avoid an awkward conversation with the property owner by ensuring your rental property has basement waterproofing. If you’re paying to rent a property with your hard-earned cash, then you deserve a home that is safe and clean. Better safe than sorry.
Basement Waterproofing Prevents
- Structural damage
- Mold
- Flooding
- Unwanted house guests (animals attracted to water) and so much more
What’s Next?
Renting a home can be rewarding and cost-effective if you think proactively, but many have a nonchalant attitude when it comes to protecting their rental. However, assuming there’s little potential for disaster, simply because you don’t own the property, can be a huge mistake.
Basement waterproofing is not just important to your rental property, it’s essential. Without taking precautions to protect your rental property, you’re exposing yourself to water damage, flooding, and subsequent consequences such as mold and bug infestation. Instead, be proactive and prevent the issue before it takes hold.
