Winter risk management: protecting your apartment for the cold months

When winter hits Quebec, it hits hard. Let's face it—some of us look forward to winter because of the lights, the cold and the coats, the fun activities and the holidays—but many of us love to get through it snuggled up indoors watching a good movie. Whoever you are, if you live in an apartment or rent, you need to know how to prepare for damage during the winter months. Winter presents new dangers that we may not always be aware of.

Winter can bring sudden cold snaps, causing pipes to freeze and burst, water damage, and infestations as small creatures try to find a warm place to hibernate. If you're a snowbird or planning to head to a warmer location during the winter months, you'll also need to make preparations for this time. Here are some tips for managing winter risks in an apartment.

Get insurance.

• Windstorms
• Hail
• Specific types of water damage
• Flashes
• The fire
• Theft and vandalism

Renters insurance can also cover your personal liability in situations where a guest or third party makes a claim against you for bodily injury or property damage. Lawsuits can cost you thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seriously, it can be as little as a few to-go coffees a month and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Identify your risks

The first and perhaps most difficult thing to do when trying to manage risks in your apartment before winter is to identify your potential exposures. If you can't identify the types of risks that might arise with the changing seasons, you could be in for a big surprise when winter arrives.

First, check with your landlord to determine your responsibilities for winter. If it's not your responsibility, you may not have to worry about it as much. Consider the snow removal/de-icing regulations for your area and discuss with your landlord who is responsible. De-icing is essential to ensure that damage doesn't accumulate under the weight of ice over time, and it can reduce the risk of guests or other people slipping while visiting or passing through your property. Once you've determined who is responsible for what, you can begin to identify the types of risks/exposures you might face.

Poor heating and cooling systems are one of the risks you might face. Consider turning on your heating before winter truly hits to ensure everything is working properly. If it doesn't work in a milder climate, it won't work in the cold. It's better to get this sorted in advance than to go without heating during the cold winter months.

Infestation is another risk during the winter. Tenants may encounter insects or rodents seeking a warm, dry place to hibernate. Pests are attracted to warm areas with easily accessible food sources. Your perishable food should always be stored in containers that pests cannot chew through. Don't forget food scraps—dispose of them as soon as possible. Infestations are not always covered by insurance, so it's important to be aware of this risk before it becomes a serious problem.

Vacant apartments or rental units can lead to a host of problems, especially since damage can accumulate over time. Speak with your landlord to understand the protocol if you plan to move out or want to leave your unit unoccupied while you look for a more suitable tenant. You may be asked from time to time to have a house sitter or someone to look after your unit.

Other common winter hazards include frozen pipes, damage to the heating system, ice dams, and more. Be aware of any problems early on and contact your landlord as soon as they occur. Make sure these issues are resolved as quickly as possible.

For apartments - a checklist for winter apartment maintenance

Preparing your apartment for winter might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it's important. While there may not be as much to do as if you lived in a house, you can still take the necessary precautions to ensure your unit is ready and that you're well-positioned should an emergency arise.

First, make sure you fully understand your personal responsibilities and what your landlord is responsible for. You're on the line for your part of the bargain – and you need to make sure you're fulfilling it.

Secondly, check your heating system before winter arrives. It's always a good idea to detect any potential problems before winter actually hits and you find yourself with a faulty heating system.

Consider installing a ceiling fan to distribute the heat throughout your apartment, allowing you to lower your heating bills and save money. You can also supplement this with extra layers or cozy blankets.

Prepare an emergency preparedness kit. Include fresh water, blankets, flashlights, etc., in this kit. If the power goes out due to a sudden cold snap, it's a good idea to have it readily available until everything is repaired.

Finally, make arrangements if you plan to leave for the winter months or even just a few weeks! The worst problems can arise during a vacation, so make sure you're prepared. Prevention is always better than cure.