Richmond Landlord & Rental Property Blog

Deck, Porch, Fence, Gate & Exterior Structure Problems in a Richmond Rental

A gate that will not latch may need nothing more than debris cleared from its path or one loose latch screw snugged back into place. A soft deck board, loose railing, sagging gate, leaning fence, or damaged exterior structure is different. Use simple upkeep where the condition is...

Tree & Fallen Limb Problems in a Richmond Rental: What to Report

A fallen branch does not always require the same response as a hanging limb, a damaged tree, or a branch touching a power line. Start by looking from a safe location and deciding whether the material is already fully detached and easily movable or whether it remains connected, su...

Irrigation Problems in a Richmond Rental: What to Check

If a sprinkler will not stop running, sprays the wrong area, or one zone does not operate, start with the normal controls intended for everyday use. Do not open valve boxes, alter wiring, or reset a supplied smart controller to factory settings.If the Sprinklers Will Not Shut Off...

Yard Drainage, Erosion & Standing Water in a Richmond Rental

Standing water, erosion, or runoff moving toward a rental home is often easiest to understand while the water is actually present. Start by watching the path it takes, then address only simple surface-level obstructions that are safe to reach.Clear Simple Surface ObstructionsFrom...

Siding & Exterior Wall Problems in a Richmond Rental

Loose siding, damaged soffit or fascia, missing trim, or another opening in an exterior wall can allow wind or water into a rental home. Start with the conditions you can safely manage without climbing or taking the exterior apart.Protect the Inside FirstIf water is entering the ...

Gutters, Downspouts & Exterior Water Entry in a Richmond Rental

When rainwater is overflowing a gutter, spilling beside the foundation, or running toward the home, start by watching where the water is actually going. A ground-level problem may have a simple fix, but do not climb, cut, drill, or take apart fixed exterior components.Check the D...

Roof & Ceiling Leak Problems in a Richmond Rental: What to Do First

Water coming through a ceiling calls for two things at once: protect the area from additional damage and stay clear of anything that could be unsafe. If the leak is small and the area is safe to approach, you do not need to watch the water spread while waiting for service.Richmon...

Bed Bug Problems in a Richmond Rental: What to Do First

If you suspect bed bugs in your Richmond rental, start by looking for physical signs around the bed and other nearby resting areas. Bites by themselves are not enough to identify bed bugs because many other insects and skin conditions can produce similar marks.Keep belongings in ...

Mice and Rat Problems in a Richmond Rental: What to Check and Report

If you see a mouse or rat in your Richmond rental, find possible droppings, notice gnawing, or hear scratching or movement, start with what you actually observed. Some signs are less certain than they first appear.PMI James River has had scratching reports that turned out to be b...

Cockroach Problems in a Richmond Rental: What to Do First

If you see a cockroach in your Richmond rental, start by looking at the pattern. One large roach near an exterior door can be a different situation from repeated smaller roaches around a kitchen or bathroom.Clean up food and water sources, use sticky monitors to see where activit...