Whenever you have a new tenant moving in — or even with existing tenants — it’s a good idea during the initial or regular walkthrough to educate them on how to spot issues and quickly address them. A tenant knowing how to shut off the water in the event of a leak or burst pipe can save you from a catastrophic repair and a lot of time.
Here are a few key items tenants should understand:
- Main water shut-off – This is a big one. In the event of a leak, the tenant should know exactly where this is located to avoid major damage.
- Supply line shut-off valves – Important so the tenant can quickly stop water at the source of the issue.
- Gas main – In the case of a major gas leak, this is critical for safety.
- Gas supply valves – For appliances like the water heater, stove, etc.
- Heater/AC filter – I used to make this the tenant’s responsibility, but for newer properties I handle it myself. It gives me an opportunity to check on the property and ensures the filter is changed regularly, which extends the life of the system. Still, it’s helpful for tenants to understand this, as it can impact their utility costs.
- Electrical panel – If a breaker trips or a circuit malfunctions, show them how to reset it. This helps them resolve minor issues quickly and shut off power if needed before it becomes a bigger problem.
There can be other items depending on the property, but giving tenants knowledge of the above can prevent major issues and headaches down the line.