Leak on the Ceiling from Rental Property Best decision?

Question

Hey BP,

Have a property in Texas. More of a accidental land-lord due to a out of town job move. I had just brought the property earlier in the year so I could not sell it before I moved.

It has been 2 months but with the recent hail damage the tenant is mentioning that there are leaks in the roof.

Currently I am at a loss on how to move forward. Need some advice. Do I just put the claim in to insurance? Do I get a contractor out there? Was hoping not to have problems this early on but guess that is life.

Thanks,

-Steve

Account Closed · Answer

Had the same issue last week - drove out to the property, looked up into the attic space and saw where the water was getting in, bought some roof patch, patched it, and we waited this week through the rain to see if there were any more issues.  There were none.  Handy man came out Friday and he's going to fix the ceiling for $100.

If it's due to hail damage, call a roofer.  If it's normal wear and tear, call a handyman - will be much less expensive.

Russ B. · Answer

Not that this isn't obvious, but roof leaks need to be fixed right away. Damage can accumulate really fast if it's not dealt with.

There are roofers that know the insurance claim process really well. I dealt with a case like this a couple years ago - roof started leaking right after a hail storm. The roofing company actually pointed out to me that this was hail / storm damage (that hadn't occurred to me somehow, despite half the houses on that street suddenly getting roof work! lol), and worked with the adjuster for me. I ended up getting a new roof for free, even though the one that was damaged was almost due for replacement already.

Jeff Sheraton · Answer

Call a roofer.  Perhaps one that advertises that they handle hail damage.  Let them determine if it is hail damage.  They can probably also coach you through the insurance process if need be.

Kyle Doney · Answer

If the roof is damaged to where it is leaking, definitely do an insurance claim and fix it along with the other damage.