Winter Information

The following is important information about your additional responsibilities during the cold winter months. Please remember costs associated with winterizing your home are generally the responsibility of the tenant.

https://www.consumerreports.org/home-maintenance-repairs/how-to-keep-pipes-from-freezing/

Frozen Pipes, Winter, Weatherizing

It is the responsibility of the renter to weatherize his/her home and keep the water running inside the building during cold weather. Tenants are responsible for leaving water running between hot and cold at a very slow trickle in cold weather (below freezing), in order to prevent frozen pipes, and will be liable for cost to repair any frozen pipes and/or to restore water service.

A few suggestions:

1. Disconnect All Outside Hoses. Anytime outside weather is freezing all hoses on the outside of the house should be disconnected. This helps prevent your outside faucets from freezing. It is also a good idea to wrap the faucet with rags or newspaper and secure with string or rubber bands when the outside temperatures drop below freezing.

2. Keep all Water Inside the Building Running. It is important to keep water moving in all of the water pipes to prevent freezing. Tenants are responsible for leaving water running between hot and cold at a very slow trickle in cold weather (below freezing), in order to prevent frozen pipes, and will be liable for cost to repair any frozen pipes and/or to restore water service.

3. Leave Cupboard Doors Open Under Sinks. This allows some heat near the pipes.

4. Locate Your Water Meter. The meter is usually placed in the front of the basement facing the street. Be sure to note its location before you need to find it.

5. Keep heat on and at a reasonably warm temperature. If you are going to be gone be sure to leave the heat on and the water dripping.

6. Cover or remove your window air conditioners.

7. Turn your ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air.

Please let your landlord know if you are not going to be home for several days.

Your efforts to prevent freezing before your pipes freeze will save you both discomfort and expense. Thank you for your efforts to maintain your home. If you have any questions please let us know.

Snow and Ice Removal:

Single Family Properties: All residents living in single family houses are responsible for their own snow and ice removal

Multi-Family Properties: Tenants in multi-family properties should check their lease terms to determine if they are responsible for snow removal. If management is responsible for snow removal and the property has not been shoveled within 6 hours after the snow has stopped falling, please contact our office.