Keeping Your Rental Safe in Florida Heat
Watson Marketing • July 11, 2025
Keeping Your Rental Safe in Florida Heat
Florida summers bring extreme heat and humidity, which can put serious strain on your rental property’s systems—especially the air conditioning. As your property management partner, we take proactive steps to maintain your investment and avoid costly repairs. Here are five key ways we help protect your property during the hottest months of the year:
1. Monitoring and Clearing Condensate Drain Lines
Clogged condensate drain lines are a common issue in Florida’s climate and can lead to water damage if left unchecked. We monitor these lines during regular inspections and quickly address any signs of blockage before they cause leaks or indoor damage.
2. Encouraging Regular Air Filter Changes
Dirty filters reduce A/C efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the system. We communicate regularly with tenants to ensure they understand the importance of replacing air filters every 30–60 days and provide guidance if needed.
3. Maintaining Clearance Around Outdoor Condenser Units
Proper airflow is critical to keeping the A/C system functioning efficiently. We inspect outdoor units to ensure there’s adequate clearance from vegetation and debris, which helps prevent overheating and system failure.
4. Educating Tenants on Energy-Smart Practices
We advise tenants to keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day and to use moderate, consistent thermostat settings. These practices not only lower utility bills but reduce strain on the A/C system, protecting your investment.
5. Addressing Maintenance Requests Promptly
Our team is trained to respond quickly to any reports of A/C issues, from unusual noises to cooling inconsistencies. Early intervention helps prevent more significant problems, reducing downtime and repair costs.
By staying ahead of these common summer challenges, we help ensure your property stays in top condition and your tenants stay comfortable. If you have questions about seasonal maintenance or want to explore additional summer prep services, we’re here to help.
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As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we’re grateful for—like having a safe, comfortable home. At Watson Property Management, we believe one of the best ways to ensure that homes remain comfortable and hassle-free is through proactive, preventative maintenance.
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Recently, we reviewed insights from the 2025 Property Management Industry Report on the trends and strategies that third-party property management companies (PMCs) are employing to grow revenue. These trends highlight the variety of approaches PMCs are using, providing a strong contrast to Watson Property Management’s commitment to transparency, cost savings, and quality control. Transparent, Predictable Pricing for Our Clients The report indicates that 33% of PMCs plan to increase client fees over the next two years to bolster revenue. At Watson, we’re proud to say that we have no such plans. Our focus remains on maximizing value for our clients, rather than inflating costs for short-term gains. While many PMCs use an a-la-carte pricing model with potential hidden fees, Watson stands by a transparent, all-inclusive approach with just three consistent fees: Leasing, Monthly, and Renewal. This straightforward structure reflects our dedication to fair, simple pricing that empowers our clients to budget effectively. Significant Savings Through In-House Services The report also revealed that many PMCs add fees on top of all maintenance charges. By contrast, Watson does not add extra fees to maintenance costs, leading to significant savings for our property owners. Additionally, while many PMCs outsource essential services like maintenance, inspections, and even client communication, Watson keeps almost all services in-house (with the exception of application screenings, which are handled by a trusted national provider). This approach offers two major benefits: Enhanced Quality Control : Our in-house model allows us to uphold Watson’s standards of excellence and ensure tasks are completed to our high expectations. Improved Property Knowledge : By directly handling the management of properties, our team gains valuable firsthand knowledge of each property’s condition, allowing us to be more proactive with maintenance needs. A Commitment to Long-Term Value As many PMCs focus on short-term gains through fee increases and additional charges, Watson Property Management remains dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with our clients. Our approach prioritizes value creation and sustainable growth. We know that when our clients succeed, we succeed, which is why we strive to deliver unparalleled service, transparency, and efficiency. Choosing the right property management company is about more than just cost—it’s about finding a partner who shares your goals and values. At Watson Property Management, we’re proud to be that partner, offering comprehensive property management with a commitment to integrity and client satisfaction.
As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial to ensure your property is prepared to withstand the potential impacts of severe weather. At Watson Property Management, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home and protecting your investments. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare your property for hurricane season: Review Your Insurance Coverage Before hurricane season hits, take the time to review your insurance policies. Ensure you have adequate coverage for your property, including flood insurance if you're in a flood-prone area. It's also a good idea to document the condition of your property with photos or videos for potential insurance claims. Secure Outdoor Items Loose items such as patio furniture, grills, and potted plants can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Secure these items or bring them indoors to prevent damage to your property and neighboring homes. Check Your Gutters and Drains Clear any debris from gutters and drains to ensure proper water flow. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and increase the risk of flooding. Regular maintenance can help minimize these risks. Trim Trees and Shrubs Overgrown trees and shrubs can pose a significant threat during a hurricane. Trim any branches that are close to your property or power lines to reduce the risk of falling debris causing damage. Reinforce Windows and Doors Consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing your windows and doors with plywood to protect against flying debris. Make sure all doors are securely fastened, and check that your garage door is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. Prepare an Emergency Kit Having an emergency kit on hand is essential. Include items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Make sure your kit is easily accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly. Develop an Evacuation Plan Create an evacuation plan for your family and communicate it clearly to everyone in your household. Know the evacuation routes in your area and have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave your home. Stay Informed Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories. Sign up for local alerts and follow trusted news sources to receive real-time information about the hurricane's path and potential impacts. Communicate with Your Property Manager If you're a tenant, keep in touch with your property manager for any specific instructions or updates regarding the property. Your property manager can provide valuable guidance and support during hurricane season. Preparing your property for hurricane season is essential to protect your home and ensure your safety. By taking these proactive steps, you can minimize potential damage and be better prepared for any storms that come your way. At Watson Property Management, we're here to help you navigate hurricane season with confidence. For more tips and support, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Stay safe and prepared this hurricane season!
Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 621 (HB 621) into law. This new legislation aims to provide homeowners with effective remedies against squatting and introduce stricter penalties for those involved in such activities. Key Provisions of HB 621 HB 621 empowers property owners by allowing them to request immediate law enforcement intervention to remove squatters from their properties under specific conditions: Unlawful Entry: The individual must have unlawfully entered and remained on the property. Owner's Directive: The property owner must have directed the individual to leave the property, which the individual has not complied with. Exclusion of Tenants: The individual must not be a current or former tenant involved in a legal dispute with the property owner. These measures' goal is to streamline the process for property owners to reclaim their homes, minimizing delays, litigation, and financial losses due to missed rents. Increased Penalties for Squatting In addition to providing remedies for property owners, HB 621 also establishes stringent penalties for those who engage in squatting or facilitate it: First-Degree Misdemeanor: Making a false statement in writing to obtain real property or knowingly presenting a falsified document conveying property rights. Second-Degree Felony: Unlawfully occupying or trespassing in a residential dwelling and intentionally causing $1,000 or more in damages. First-Degree Felony: Knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership. Impact on Homeowners and Property Managers The enactment of HB 621 aims to ensure that property owners and managers in Florida have the tools and legal backing to protect their properties from unlawful occupation. By addressing the issue of squatting comprehensively, the new law attempt to safeguard property values and the rights of legitimate property owners. Conclusion At Watson Property Management, we understand the challenges that property owners face in maintaining and protecting their investments. We are committed to staying informed about legislative changes that impact our industry and ensuring that our clients are well-equipped to navigate these changes.
