Introduction
With temperatures stuck below freezing and nearly a foot of snow on the ground, it’s officially the kind of winter landlords dread—and tenants remember.
Extended cold snaps like this can cause frozen pipes, roof leaks, HVAC failures, and costly water damage if not managed properly. At Rent Depot, we’ve been through this before. Here’s what professional property managers are doing right now to protect your investment, prevent emergencies, and keep tenants safe and satisfied during this deep freeze.
❄️ 1. Proactively Preventing Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold is one of the biggest threats to a rental property’s plumbing system. We take steps to:
Remind tenants to open sink cabinets and drip faucets on exterior walls.
Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and utility closets.
Monitor vacant units daily to ensure heat is running and pipes aren’t at risk.
Respond immediately to any reports of frozen or burst lines.
👉 Pro Tip: Frozen pipe calls often don’t come until days after a cold snap starts. We stay ahead with automated alerts and trained techs on standby.
🔥 2. Keeping Heating Systems Running Under Pressure
Furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers are under massive strain in prolonged sub-freezing conditions. We:
Change furnace filters regularly to prevent shutdowns.
Check for short cycling or airflow issues in tenant reports.
Track high-usage zones where system failures are more likely.
If a unit does go down, our on-call maintenance network ensures fast dispatch—even during storms.
🚪 3. Managing Snow, Ice & Safety Hazards
With 10+ inches of snow and more on the way, snow removal is both a liability risk and a tenant service issue. Our crews:
Clear driveways, sidewalks, and building entrances early and often.
Apply salt and de-icer to prevent slips and falls.
Check for roof loads and ice damming in properties with known risks.
Safe access isn’t optional—it’s essential, and we treat it that way.
🧯 4. Checking for Secondary Risks: Fire, Carbon Monoxide & Power Loss
As residents run space heaters and gas furnaces 24/7, fire and CO risks spike. We:
Test smoke and CO detectors proactively.
Remind tenants about space heater placement and extension cord safety.
Track power outage zones and communicate with residents if utilities go down.
These small steps can save lives—and avoid massive property damage.
🧠 5. Communicating Proactively With Tenants
One of the biggest value-adds we bring during weather events is calm, consistent communication. Our team:
Sends weather alerts and reminders before and during storms.
Gives tenants clear next steps if issues arise (like how to shut off a main water valve).
Follows up after events to ensure everything is stable and safe.
This builds trust with tenants—and protects your reputation as an owner.
📊 6. Creating Long-Term Resilience
Extreme cold events are becoming more common. After each one, we:
Log all weather-related work orders to identify patterns.
Recommend insulation, HVAC upgrades, and heat-tape installation where needed.
Work with owners to budget for future-proofing vulnerable units before next winter.
We don’t just react—we build systems that prevent problems before they start.
✅ Conclusion: Deep Freezes Are Inevitable. Damage Isn’t.
When temps drop and snow piles up, the difference between a minor hiccup and a $10,000 insurance claim is preparation, experience, and responsiveness. At Rent Depot, we take winter seriously—so you don’t have to worry about frozen pipes, tenant complaints, or sleepless nights.
Need help managing your rentals through Indiana winters?
Contact Rent Depot today to learn how we keep properties protected—and residents happy—all year round.
