With the peak of hurricane season nearing, it’s the perfect time for both tenants and property owners to assess their preparations and take steps in advance to avoid confusion and chaos if a storm does approach New Orleans.

Josh Fogarty, owner with Satsuma Property Management, said a collaborative approach between property owners and tenants is the best way to make sure properties are as ready as possible for whatever Mother Nature might bring.

“I think it’s important that everybody works together and that people educate themselves on what they need to do,” Fogarty said. “I don’t think anybody intentionally tries to put their property in danger. When there are problems, it’s usually because of a lack of knowledge and trying to do everything at the last minute.”

For example, Fogarty said tenants should clean out freezers and refrigerators before a storm because of the likelihood of power outages that could mean hundreds of dollars in lost food for the tenant and expensive appliance replacement costs for the property owner. Tenants should pick up any outdoor furniture or decorations that they personally own and let owners know if they see large tree branches or other obstructions that may cause property damage in high winds.

“Property owners should be making periodic passes by each property they own, but if a tenant notices something like branches near the house or something that may cause peril, it’s best if they are cognizant of that and let the property owner know so they can take the appropriate action,” Fogarty said.

He noted that the most important step is for both tenants and property owners to have a hurricane plan. Some tenants are not New Orleans natives and may be unfamiliar with storm preparation. Fogarty said that means property owners should advise them on matters such as which supplies to buy, how to develop an evacuation strategy and what to expect if they decide to ride out the storm in the city.

If a tenant or property owner decides to evacuate, Fogarty said a communication plan is key, especially since cell phone and internet services may be spotty or nonexistent in the days immediately after a storm.

“We advise tenants to let their landlords know where they are going and when they plan to return,” he said. “They can also ask a friend or someone they know to check on the house while they are gone. That communication beforehand is key. If a property owner knows that the house is empty, they’re going to worry a lot less than if they know somebody is inside.”

Fogarty said it is recommended that all tenants have renters insurance to cover damages or property loss to items they personally own, whether during a hurricane or another disastrous event, while property owners have insurance that covers the property itself. In light of rising insurance premiums and some Hurricane Ida victims still dealing with the fallout of the 2021 storm, Fogarty also advises people to review their policies carefully ahead of time and discuss any concerns with their agent.

“I think a lot of property owners have learned that they need to read every page of their insurance policy and understand what the coverages are and the process for making claims,” he said. “All insurance policies are not the same, so it’s important to know every detail.”

Satsuma Property Management strives to take the stress out of property ownership while supporting the New Orleans economy. Services include rental market analysis, property marketing, tenant sourcing and screening, online finance management, property maintenance and repair coordination, legal compliance and much more. Visit www.satsumamanagement.com to learn more or schedule a call today.