Things to Keep in Mind as a Renter This Winter

The winter holidays can be a magical time filled with lots of cheer, travel and excitement. As a renter, there are things to keep in mind whether you’re staying home for the holidays or heading out to see family or friends. Today’s blog covers some things you should keep in mind to keep your property team informed and stay within the guidelines of your lease. 

Traveling?

1. If you’re leaving for an extended amount of time, let your property team know so they are aware you are away in the event of an emergency. 
2. Depending on what kind of rental you have, you may be required to keep your thermostat set to a certain temperature during the winter. This is for a couple reasons – to prevent the pipes in your apartment home from freezing and breaking, and to assist with the overall regulation of a consistent temperature in your building overall. Opening cabinet doors under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms is also a good way to keep warm air flowing around pipes. Check with your property team or lease agreement to see if this applies to you.
3. During the winter, some critters and bugs love to make their home in our warmer, indoor spaces. Do a quick scan of the food left in your apartment home and toss what you won’t use and take out the trash or seal the food you anticipate coming home to. 
4. Depending on your type of rental, you’ll want to clear any belongings from your patio, balcony, walkway, or driveway. In case of a snowstorm, you’ll want your property management company to be able to access designated areas for plowing and clean-up, and you don’t want your personal belongings to get water damage. Review snow policies for common area parking lots, too, if you plan to leave a vehicle while you are gone. 

Staying in?

1. While you’re decorating your apartment home for a cozy holiday, be mindful of fire hazards in your space. This includes reading the warnings on holiday lights, and avoiding leaving decorative lights on overnight or for extended periods of time. If you are using space heaters for any reason, never leave them unattended.
2. Practice common courtesy. When your community puts down sand and salt on driveways or walkways, wipe your feet before you enter your building or shared space to not track it indoors. In the same vein, if you notice some extra salt needed in your neighbor’s walkway, add some for them if it’s available to you.
3. If you see something, say something. If there’s a patch of ice that needs addressing, if someone’s left an air conditioning unit in the window, if more salt is needed in any certain area, or if there’s anything that your property team can help with, let them know. They will appreciate you being another set of eyes in the community.
4. Be sure to stock up on your emergency supplies. Put some extra salt in your car along with a shovel. In the event of a massive storm, you’ll want to be prepared with flashlights, non-perishable food items, water bottles, first aid kids, candles and matches, boots, blankets, warm clothing, jackets, portable phone chargers, etc. There is no harm in being prepared for the weather.