Hurricane Prep for Rental Property in Florida: Updated for Hurricane Milton
The 2024 Hurricane season is here now. With the Hurricane Watch in place and maximum sustained winds forecasted for Hurricane Milton, preparation is critical for everyone. The only incorrect time to start preparing for a hurricane is when it's too late. Hurricane season in Florida always causes panic, especially for property owners and renters. With the recent updates regarding Hurricane Milton becoming a major hurricane, taking action early is more crucial than ever. If you're following the Hurricane Milton tracker, you'll know that this storm is expected to impact various parts of the state, including Orlando. As it rapidly intensifies out in the Gulf of Mexico. As of Monday morning in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is currently a category 5 storm according to the Simpson hurricane wind scale. Wind gusts up to 175 mph (175mph) up to 180 mph will lessen once it hits land. This will be different than Hurricane Helene, but forecasted up to 15 inches of rain.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, both landlords and tenants are equally affected. The risk of incurring enormous financial losses is high. To avoid adverse consequences, property owners and tenants must prepare. Failing to do so could lead to irreversible damage to your property and could jeopardize the safety of your tenants. Whether you're checking the hurricane track or staying updated via the hurricane tracker, proactive measures can make all the difference. Hurricane Milton could potentially evolve into a Category 5 hurricane, posing severe threats to the Tampa Bay area and the west coast of Florida. The storm is currently 700 miles southwest of Tampa. They are expecting a storm surge of up to 12 feet. It could be one of the strongest storms on the Saffir Simpson hurricane wind scale.
As a landlord, your top priority should be protecting your investment property and keeping tenants safe. Being caught unaware during a hurricane can have devastating consequences. Be proactive and take all the necessary precautions in preparation for the storm.
So, what exactly should you do to keep your rental properties and tenants safe during Hurricane Milton and beyond? Continue reading to learn how to effectively prepare your rental property for hurricane season in Florida.
2024 Hurricane Name List
Here is the 2024 List of Hurricane Names: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.
2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Here you can find the 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide provided by the Florida State Office of the Attorney General.
Hurricane Preparedness for Rental Properties
No one wants to suffer loss during a hurricane, whether they are landlords or tenants. At the onset of hurricane season, effective communication is essential. With Hurricane Milton on the horizon, keep your tenants informed about storm developments and advise them on preparing for the worst. Monitoring Hurricane Milton and ensuring your tenants are updated about the latest developments in the Gulf of Mexico and possible landfall in Florida will help mitigate risks.
To help tenants plan and prepare, share resources from trusted sources like the National Hurricane Center and National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), which provides up-to-date information about the storm’s development and projected hurricane track. Provide regular updates on the storm’s trajectory, including the latest Hurricane Milton path, and inform tenants about potential power outages, water shortages, and other disruptions. Inform tenants of potential tropical storm warnings or shifts in the Hurricane Milton path that could result in landfall in Florida, particularly around the mouth of the Suwanee.
Landlords should also provide tenants with written hurricane preparation instructions when they move in. This can include guidance on securing their belongings, protecting windows, and keeping emergency supplies on hand. Monitoring the Hurricane Milton timeline will help ensure that tenants are prepared in advance. Also, let them know how to submit any maintenance request.
Preparing Your Property: Securing and Fortifying
Preparing your property for Hurricane Milton is critical. Encourage your tenants to be involved in the process to ensure a comprehensive approach to protection.
Conduct a thorough inspection of your property before the storm. Look for areas that may be vulnerable to damage, such as cracks in the siding, loose roofing materials, or gaps in windows. Address these issues promptly to avoid costly repairs later.
Ensure that all windows are properly secured. If your property has hurricane shutters, instruct renters to install them beforehand. For properties without shutters, consider providing tenants with materials such as plywood to board up windows. Additionally, advise tenants to remove any window-mounted AC units to prevent damage.
Ensure that storm drains and gutters are cleared of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and lead to flooding, exacerbating the damage caused by the storm. Clean gutters and downspouts will allow water to flow freely away from the property.
Essential Supplies for Hurricane Milton
When it comes to hurricane preparedness, knowledge is power. Inform your tenants about what to expect before, during, and after the storm. This is particularly important for tenants who may be experiencing a hurricane for the first time. Keeping an eye on storm conditions, especially maximum sustained winds and its projected landfall in Florida, is vital for proper preparedness.
Remind tenants that they may need to stay indoors for several days without access to external resources. Encourage them to stock up on essential supplies, such as water, non-perishable food, duct tape, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits. It’s also wise to provide them with a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, property management, and utility companies. Share resources that track the Hurricane Milton path so that they stay updated on potential impacts to their area.
Looking for Professional Property Management During Hurricane Milton?
If you're concerned about managing hurricane preparations for your rental property, consider partnering with a reliable property management company in Florida. Property management professionals are well-versed in handling the logistics of hurricane preparedness, ensuring that your property and tenants remain safe during the storm.
At Allegiant Management Group, we offer comprehensive property management services, including hurricane preparedness for rental properties. Our experienced team will handle everything from communication with tenants to property inspections and repairs, so you don’t have to worry.
If you have a rental property in Orlando, Central Florida or the surrounding areas, Allegiant Management Group is here to help. We’ll tailor a property management program to meet your unique needs and ensure your property is protected before, during, and after Hurricane Milton. As the Hurricane Milton timeline evolves, we will keep you and your tenants updated with critical information from the hurricane center.
Contact us today to learn more about our property management services and how we can assist you in preparing for the storm.
FAQs about Hurricane Preparation for Rental Properties
1. What should tenants do to prepare for Hurricane Milton?
Tenants should stock up on essential supplies, secure their personal belongings, and follow all guidance provided by their landlord. Installing hurricane shutters, cleaning gutters, and securing windows are crucial steps. Keep an eye on the Hurricane Milton tracker for real-time storm path updates.
2. Who is responsible for repairing hurricane damage to rental properties?
Typically, the landlord is responsible for repairing structural damage to the property, while tenants are responsible for securing and protecting their personal belongings. Be sure to monitor the hurricane tracker and communicate any damage reports immediately after the storm passes.
3. Should landlords have hurricane insurance?
Yes, it is highly recommended that landlords have hurricane insurance to protect their investments from damage caused by storms. Standard homeowners' insurance may not cover all hurricane-related damages. With Hurricane Milton currently threatening many Florida regions, now is the time to review your coverage.
4. Can tenants break their lease if the property is damaged by a hurricane?
Depending on the extent of the damage, tenants may be able to break their lease if the property becomes uninhabitable. However, this may vary based on the terms of the lease and local laws.
5. How can Allegiant Management Group assist with hurricane preparation?
Allegiant Management Group offers comprehensive hurricane preparation services, including property inspections, tenant communication, and coordination of repairs before and after the storm. Our communications will update you on the Hurricane Milton timeline as the storm progresses.
Blog Updated: 10/06/2024
Check out our blog about the Top Post-Hurricane Tips & Guide.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information for educational purposes only. It should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance regarding hurricane preparation and property management.
