How to Deal with Groundwater Flooding

Flooding is a dire disaster that causes extensive damage. Possessing residence in flood-prone areas signifies watching out for the sky and nearby water sources for indications of overflow. Although, groundwater flooding can be unperceivable and hard to anticipate, especially for homes with basements. Groundwater can seep through the foundation and cause much destruction to walls, floors, carpets, furniture, and any items stored in the basement. Flooding can also lead to mold and other health issues.

Preventing flooding is very important to maintaining a livable and attractive rental property. Flood damage can hugely depreciate the value of your property and cause inconvenience to your tenants.

Dangers of Groundwater

If you have a rental property in Laurel, you really understand how vital it is to protect your valuable investment. When the groundwater levels outside the basement come up above the floor, water can leak through any open cracks or holes in the foundation, causing property damage and costly repairs. The issue is, indeed, compounded in older homes with drain systems connected directly to the city storm sewer or improper grading, as stormwater can pose a significant threat.

Mandating Insurance and Defining Liability

As a responsible property owner, it is vital to take preventative measures and safeguard your rental property against flooding to protect your investment and provide tenants with a safe and comfortable living environment.

Structural protection is crucial, but financial protection requires clear insurance mandates documented in your lease.

• Mandatory Renter’s Insurance: Your lease agreement must require the tenant to carry Renter’s Insurance. Standard Landlord Hazard Insurance covers the dwelling structure, but it does not cover the tenant’s personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing) damaged by a flood. Renter’s Insurance, which includes “Loss of Use” coverage, also provides the tenant funds for temporary housing, preventing conflicts over rent abatement.
• Clarity on Cause of Damage: Clearly define in your lease the tenant’s financial responsibility for damage caused by negligence (e.g., leaving a window open during a storm, failing to report a blocked drain). For natural events like groundwater rise, the owner’s insurance typically covers the structure, but mandating Renter’s Insurance ensures the tenant’s belongings are covered, preventing them from attempting to hold the owner liable for personal property loss.
• Annual Review of Coverage: Regularly review your own landlord insurance policy. Standard policies often exclude flood damage. If your property is in a high-risk area, you must confirm you have dedicated Flood Insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer to cover the structure itself.

Protect Your Rental Property from Water Damage

Suppose you are disturbed by water damage to your property and intend to keep it dry and thriving as well as profitable. In this case, there is a solution that you can take- affixing a perimeter drain system. This system allows you to control groundwater and ward off water from overrunning the foundation of your property.

There are two major types of perimeter drain systems that you can pick from, depending on the specific needs of your property. The first is an above-slab gutter system installed at the base of the exterior foundation walls. This system captures water that runs off the roof and diverts it from the foundation. The second option is a below-slab drainage system, which is built into the floor slab itself. This system captures water that seeps into the soil around the foundation and directs it away from the building.

Conceding that both drainage systems can work, industry experts put forward an under-floor drainage system as the most practical and effective option for diverting groundwater from the foundation. The reason for this is the fact that an under-floor drainage system is installed deeper and can capture water that an above-slab gutter system might miss.

Benefits of a Drainage System

Affixing a top-of-the-line drainage system is an investment that may require a tremendous upfront cost. Still, it can save you from expensive repairs in the future and eliminate possible losses in property value and revenue because of flooding. A high-quality drainage system can perfectly divert water from your property, bringing down the risk of water damage and erosion and keeping your property safe and unimpaired.

To ensure your property is protected from groundwater issues, it’s basic to have it regularly evaluated by a professional. Early detection of water-related problems, for illustration, leakage or seepage, can prevent financially steep repairs and further damage to your property. With the ideal property management company, you can definitely mitigate any potential issues and establish your property remains in top condition.

Getting the right property management company is an integral decision that can, accordingly, impact the safety and value of your property. The appropriate management company can present you with expert advice and guidance on drainage systems, groundwater issues, and other important matters related to property management. By working with a competent partner, you can be absolutely certain that your property is in excellent care and receives top-notch service that meets your needs and budget.

At RPM Metro, we have the mastery and resources you need to find the answer and deal with possible groundwater issues swiftly and excellently. We specialize in helping property owners guard the value and profitability of their rental homes and guarantee extensive services to suit any circumstances. Would you like to learn more? Don’t hesitate to contact us online or at 410-290-3285 for more useful information.