Property Management While Traveling Put to the Test

Well, it has happened, and it happened much sooner than I thought.

One of the tenants in our rental properties back home had a legit emergency. In fact, it was the tenant in our home.

The hot water heater pressure release valve spewed water all over the floor. We were fortunate that the hot water heater was located in a utility closet. We were also fortunate that the flooding and damage was minimal, thanks to the tenant hearing the rushing water and turning off the water.

When all of this happened, I was unreachable in the bottom of Palo Duro Canyon. No cell service. No email. I had no idea what was going on.

This was the first test for the rental property management solution that I put in place before I left town, and the solution passed the test!

The tenant knew that if I could not be reached in an emergency, then they were to call my handyman and backup property manager, Joe, immediately, and he would intervene to solve the issue.

Joe intervened quickly and competently.

After mitigating the water damage, Joe brought in his plumber to assess the hot water tank.

The tank had reached the end of its lifespan, and it was time to replace it.

Joe and the plumber had a new tank installed within 48 hours, and the tenants hot water was restored. On top of that, the pop off valve was rerouted to the outside, so the next time this happens, water will spray outside of the house.

When I emerged from the canyon, I was thrilled that when things fell apart and I was out of reach, Joe was able to pull them back together in my absence.

The only unenjoyable part of the whole experience was stroking the check for the new hot water heater and installation, but I knew replacing big ticket items in the rental houses was always a possibility and I budgeted accordingly when considering whether or not we should rent or sell our home while traveling.

If you are in the Raleigh area and need home remodeling and repair services, then consider calling Joe at Sole Source Solution. He has helped me remodel a house, build a shed, and make various home repairs.