Tips to Combat Excess Humidity and Moisture

Excess humidity in your suite or home can lead to mildew and mould growth and can ultimately lead to a host of health harms. In particular, given Vancouver’s damp and coastal environment, the winter months may be a greater cause of concern to Tenants and Homeowners. As you heat your home, it is important to control excess moisture that may accumulate on windows, glass surfaces, and window sills.

Whether you rent or own a home, please follow some of these simple tips to keep your home dry and minimize potential for mould growth.

Temperature

• Keep your home at a consistent temperature 
• Warm air can hold more moisture and still feel dry
• Cold air can’t hold as much moisture– leading to condensation when the home is cooler

Showering and Bathing

• Turn your bathroom fan on for one hour after visual signs of steam and condensation. Be sure to keep your fan on until steam and condensation disappear!
• Wipe down the shower tub and tiles to remove water droplets from lingering 

Cooking

• Keep lids on pots while cooking and turn on the kitchen fan 
• Allow the dishwasher to run its full cycle before opening it

Laundry

• Do not hang dry clothing inside your unit during winter months
• Do not hang items in front of the fireplace or near baseboard heaters to dry

Furniture Placement

• Be sure to allow a few inches of space between any exterior walls and in front of windows to ensure air circulation 
• Do not block heaters with furniture

Plants and Fish Tanks

• Indoor plants and fish tanks can add moisture in the air 
• Keep number of plants to a minimum or opt for plastic plants if possible

Cleaning Mould

• Some mould or mildew growth along window frames is normal in the winter. It is not a cause for concern and should be cleaned with a cloth periodically. You may clean it with a mild bleach solution for non-porous (metal) surfaces and a hydrogen peroxide mixture for porous surfaces (drywall) if you wish

The Importance of Landlord and Tenant Insurance 

Whether you own a property or rent a property, it is important to carry an active insurance policy to suit your needs. Current data from insurance companies suggest that a high percentage of Landlords and Tenants in Canada do not have the proper insurance protection to minimize liability.

As Licensed Property Managers, we have extensive experience renting and managing units in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam and elsewhere for over 10 years, and we have truly seen it all when it comes to insurance-related problems.

A simple failure to purchase insurance can lead to more problems and long-term headaches for both the Landlord and Tenant. Sudden accidents can and will happen, leading to extensive damage to the property and personal belongings. It is important that you carry an appropriate insurance policy to cover personal property, liability, and additional living expenses. Check out the differences below:

Personal property is the core of your insurance policy. It provides coverage for appliances, clothing, electronics and home furnishings that are stolen, damaged or destroyed by an insured peril. It is important to note that items such as a jewelry, furs and fine arts are only covered up to the limit specified in the policy wording and may have limited coverage available. Higher limits of insurance and broadened coverage can be added to your policy for an additional premium.

Liability coverage protects you anywhere in the world for accidental injury or property damage to others. Example: A guest in your home slips and falls and is injured as a result, or your child accidently throws a ball through a neighbors window which causes damage to an expensive piece of art. Living in a condo increases your exposure to accidental damage due to your close proximity to other units. Personal liability coverage can help cover the legal expenses you incur. This coverage is automatically included in your policy and can be increased for a nominal fee.

Most importantly, in the event that you are unable to live in your unit due to loss or damage caused by an insured peril, this coverage will help to cover out-of-pocket expenses you incur. Additional Living Expenses cover reasonable expenses such as food, hotel or alternate living arrangements, moving and others costs that you would not normally experience while residing in your own home.

Save yourself later, by purchasing and renewing your insurance each year.

Hello everyone,

Winter is here in Metro Vancouver! 

While we have had an unusually warm winter, the forecast is indicating snowfall on the horizon. The federal forecast has issued a special weather statement saying that 2-5 cm of snow could potentially fall on the North Shore, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Langley, Delta and Richmond. 

While snow and ice look beautiful from inside your home, they can cause big trouble for Landlords and Tenants. If you live in an apartment or strata maintained building, the strata will typically handle all the snow removal and de-icing duties. However, if you live in a home or townhome, you are responsible for snow and ice removal unless explicitly stipulated in your contract. 

Whether you are a Landlord or Tenant, we recommend preparing for the snow– ahead of time. Prepare your supplies and know your responsibilities. Here are some helpful tips: 

1. Purchase the right tools. 
   1. We recommend purchasing a snow shovel ahead of time to avoid any shortages in the wintertime. 

1. Choose the right ice melt
   1. There are many ice melt options on the market. Consider choosing the right product because these items can end up damaging plants, damaging flooring in your house, damaging your cars, or harm your pets.
   2. Stock up on enough ice melt product ahead of time
   3. De-ice the area by applying ice melt product before the snow falls 

1. Shovel snow away from the foundation
2. Remove snow and ice from the sidewalks directly in-front or adjacent to your property line. Be sure to clear a safe path to the front door and mailbox of the home. 
3. Shovel and apply ice often

Enjoy the beautiful snowfall and be safe! 

Hello!

This is the Swiftrent Team blog!

Coming for you, very soon!