Confessions of a Renting Copywriter
As a copywriter, I know a lot about foundations. I’ve spent countless hours researching the topic, learning about the common signs of foundation issues, the various repair methods, and the importance of addressing problems early on. And yet, ironically, I’m unable to take my own advice. All because I do not own the building I call home – I’m a renter.
You see, while many tenants may not notice or care about the subtle symptoms of foundation problems, I do. Blame it on the occupational hazard of being hyperaware of these things. From the moment I moved into this rented house in Aberdeen, I started picking up on the telltale signs. The doors that wouldn’t close properly, the drafts that seeped in, the uneven floors – they all pointed to an underlying foundation issue.
I promptly brought my concerns to my husband, saying, “I think we have a foundation problem. Look, we have all these symptoms.” His response? “Well, good thing we don’t own it!” And with that, I resigned myself to the fact that as a renter, my hands were tied. It’s not my house, so why should I worry, right?
When the Landlord Dismisses Your Concerns
But as the months went by, and the problems persisted, I found it increasingly difficult to ignore. The sticking sliding doors were replaced, but just a few months later, they started acting up again. The landlord tried to address the issue by installing a new gutter system, but they fell short of adding the necessary extensions to draw water away from the foundation.
I casually brought up my concerns to the landlord, mentioning my research on home foundations and my worries that the current problems could be related to the home’s foundation, given its location on a hillside. But their response was quick and dismissive – they emphasized how costly foundation repairs can be, and that was the end of that conversation.
To their credit, the landlord has made some efforts to slow the progression of the foundation issues. They’ve replaced doors, installed a new gutter system, and even put in a sprinkler system and new plants to help with soil moisture. But these are all Band-Aid solutions, merely addressing the symptoms rather than the underlying problem.
The Renter’s Dilemma: Addressing Foundation Problems When You Don’t Own the Property
As a renter, I’m stuck in a bit of a dilemma. I see the warning signs, I know what needs to be done, but I have no control over the property. And let’s face it, foundation repairs are not exactly the landlord’s favorite thing to tackle – they’re expensive, disruptive, and often not a priority unless the problem becomes dire.
So, what’s a renter to do? Do I just resign myself to living with the gradually worsening symptoms, hoping the landlord will eventually see the light and take action? Or do I push the issue, even though it’s not my property?
Well, after much deliberation, I’ve decided to take a proactive approach. I may not be able to force the landlord’s hand, but I can at least voice my concerns and provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision.
The Renter’s Wish List for Foundation Repairs
If I had my way, here’s what I would recommend to my landlord to address the foundation issues in our rented home:
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Get a Professional Assessment: The first step would be to have a foundation repair specialist come in and assess the property. This would provide a clear picture of the extent of the problem and the recommended course of action. Helical piers and tiebacks would likely be the way to go to stabilize and level the home, as our house is only sinking in one corner.
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Address the Root Cause: Once the foundation issues have been identified, it’s time to tackle the underlying problem head-on. This means completing the necessary repairs, such as installing the recommended piers, to ensure the home’s stability. By addressing the root cause, the landlord would save money in the long run, as they wouldn’t have to keep throwing money at symptom-based repairs.
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Improve the Landscaping: After the foundation has been stabilized, it’s time to turn our attention to the landscaping. First and foremost, adding gutter extensions to draw water away from the foundation is crucial. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that can make a big difference. Next, we’d need to remove a few trees that are too close to the house, as their roots could continue to shift the foundation even after it’s been repaired.
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Install Drainage: Since our house is situated on a hillside, water tends to pool in the back after heavy rains. Installing some strategic drainage would help clear this water and protect the foundation from further damage.
This wish list may seem like an expensive undertaking, but in the long run, it would be a sound investment for the landlord. Not only would it address the underlying foundation issues, but it would also help protect the property’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers should they ever decide to sell.
The Renter’s Advice: Speak Up and Stay Vigilant
As a renter with a keen eye for foundation problems, my advice to fellow tenants in a similar situation is to voice your concerns and even ask for a free estimate by a professional. Some property managers may be willing to listen – after all, it’s in their best interest to maintain the integrity of their investment.
If your landlord remains dismissive, then it’s time to decide what problems are directly impacting you and what you can live with as a renter. Perhaps the sticking doors are a dealbreaker, but you can tolerate the occasional draft. Whatever the case may be, stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any changes or worsening of the symptoms.
And for all the property owners, managers, and landlords out there: Protect your investment by paying attention to your property’s foundation. If a renter voices concerns about the stability of the foundation, take them seriously and address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
At the end of the day, we’re all in this together – tenants and landlords alike. By working collaboratively and addressing foundation problems head-on, we can maintain the integrity of our homes and ensure a safe, stable living environment for everyone.
