Hurricane season in Sarasota and Bradenton is no time for guesswork—especially when you manage a rental or long-term investment property. The Atlantic hurricane season brings high winds, storm surges, and flying debris that can cause costly structural damage. So, is your property hurricane-ready? A rental maintenance checklist can make all the difference.
At Relax Realty Group, Inc., our property management team prioritizes proactive measures to minimize risks, protect assets, and ensure the safety of tenants and guests. Whether you manage a single-family home or multifamily properties, our hurricane preparedness checklist for property managers will help you stay steps ahead of the storm.
Hurricane Season: Why You Need to Prepare Now
Every year, from June to November, the Atlantic hurricane season poses a threat to properties across Florida. Property managers and landlords must have a hurricane preparedness plan in place—not just for insurance claims, but also for ensuring safety, maintaining normal operations, and the well-being of residents.
Failure to prepare could lead to major hurricane damage, costly repairs, and even liability issues. A comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist will help you minimize damage and streamline the recovery process after the storm hits.
The Essential Rental Property Maintenance Checklist for Landlords
When it comes to hurricane preparedness, the key is being proactive—not reactive. Before the winds pick up or a storm warning is issued, Sarasota and Bradenton landlords should follow a well-structured rental maintenance checklist. Below are the critical tasks that will help protect your property, minimize storm-related damage, and keep tenants safe.
Conduct a Thorough Inspection: Perform a thorough assessment of your property’s exterior and interior. Look for loose shingles, damaged gutters, unsecured fencing, and signs of wear on windows and doors. Prioritize repairs based on risk assessment to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Install or Inspect Storm Shutters or Panels: Make sure storm shutters or storm panels are ready and in working order. These help reduce flying debris and dangerous projectiles that can break windows or cause structural damage.
Secure Outdoor Areas and Swimming Pools: Store outdoor furniture and secure items around swimming pools. These can easily become projectiles during high winds and should be relocated or anchored.
Clear Drains and Gutters: Prevent flooding by clearing leaves and debris from drains, gutters, and downspouts—especially in flood-prone areas.
Review Insurance Policies: Confirm you have adequate coverage for your rental property, including hurricane-related damages. Ensure your policies are up to date and that you understand the claims process.
Emergency Supplies & Communication Protocols
Every hurricane preparedness checklist for rentals should include an emergency supply kit stocked with:
Flashlights, extra batteries, and a hand-crank radio or NOAA weather radio
First aid kit, bottled water, personal hygiene items, and baby food
Duct tape, tarps, and basic tools
A printed list of emergency phone numbers, utility providers, and local authorities
Establish multiple communication channels (e.g., emails, phone calls, text alerts) and prepare pre-scripted messages to relay critical updates. Property managers should communicate clearly with tenants about emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and emergency assembly points.
Hurricane Preparedness Plan: Steps for Rental Property Managers
If you're a rental property manager, you need to account for guests who may not be familiar with local news, shelter locations, or evacuation procedures. Here’s how:
Leave printed instructions in the property, including evacuation routes and safety concerns
Create a comprehensive checklist of action items before and after a tropical storm
Alert current and upcoming guests about pending weather threats
Work with your property management team to handle maintenance requests and activate recovery efforts post-storm
Post-Hurricane Recovery: What to Do After the Storm
Once the storm passes, act quickly:
Document hurricane damage for insurance claims
Conduct another thorough inspection to assess for leaks, broken windows, or electrical issues
Coordinate repairs, especially to structural damage and utilities
Communicate with tenants and guests about restoration timelines and updates
Resume normal operations with clear documentation of your actions during and after the storm
Ready for Hurricane Season? Relax Realty Group Can Help
Managing hurricane prep alone can be overwhelming. With Relax Realty Group’s expert property management services in Sarasota and Bradenton, you don’t have to face natural disasters unprepared. From rental property protection to communication protocols, we’ll implement a full hurricane preparedness plan so you can focus on your investment while we handle the storm.
Contact us today to learn more about how we help property owners stay hurricane-ready year-round.