April 23, 2025 
When Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei faced a lawsuit over water damage in her Greenwich Village apartment building, it highlighted a critical issue that many of us property owners overlook: the importance of proper maintenance and preparation when renting out your home.
The incident, which reportedly caused over $128,000 in damage (yes, you read that correctly) to neighboring units (including one belonging to director John Waters), offers very valuable lessons for anyone considering renting their property!
What Are The Hidden Risks of Water Damage?
Water damage remains one of the most common and costly issues in rental properties. According to 2025 insurance industry data, water damage claims account for nearly 40% of all homeowner insurance claims, with the average claim exceeding $11,000. When you’re renting out your property, these risks only multiply, especially if you’re not on-site to catch problems early on.
5 Key Lessons for Property Owners Who Rent
Renting out your property can feel like navigating uncharted waters (pun intended), especially when you’re dealing with late-night maintenance calls, confusing regulations, or that one tenant who always has “just one more question.” Every landlord has stories of lessons learned the hard way, from the seemingly perfect tenant who turned out to be a nightmare to the “quick fix” that ended up costing thousands.
The good news is that you don’t have to make every mistake yourself. We’ve got your back.
1. Conduct a Thorough Pre-Rental Inspection
Our first step may seem small, but it’s key to ensuring you know where you stand with your property. Before listing your space for rent, always conduct a professional inspection that focuses on:
- Plumbing systems and fixtures
- Water heater condition and age
- Appliance connections (dishwashers, washing machines)
- Roof and window seals
- HVAC condensation lines
At BMS Moving & Storage, we’ve seen far too many homes where minor issues became major problems simply because they weren’t addressed before the move.
2. Create a Comprehensive Move-Out Checklist For Yourself
Checklists are your best friend when it comes to moving and renting. We love checklists so much, we even have one for upkeeping your garage! When you’re preparing to rent your home, you really need to document everything to make sure you have a concrete memory of your property.
- Take detailed photos of all rooms, focusing on areas prone to water damage
- Note the condition of all plumbing fixtures
- Record serial numbers and ages of major appliances
- Create a maintenance log showing recent repairs and upgrades
Thorough documentation protects both you and your tenants, plus, it establishes a clear baseline for your property’s condition should any damage occur throughout the rental period.
3. Consider Professional Storage for Valuables
Here’s one often-overlooked aspect of renting out your home: protecting your personal belongings. Items stored in basements, attics, or utility closets can be particularly vulnerable to water damage.
We offer secure, climate-controlled storage facilities across our 17 locations nationwide. Proper storage ensures your valuables remain safe while you’re generating rental income from your property.
4. Implement Smart Prevention Measures
Before renting out your property, there are several crucial water damage prevention measures you should implement to protect your investment. Start by installing water leak detectors in high-risk areas throughout the property, particularly near water heaters, washing machines, and underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks where leaks commonly occur. These devices can alert tenants to problems before they escalate into major damage.
For enhanced protection, consider investing in automatic water shut-off valves that can stop water flow when a leak is detected, potentially saving thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. Take time to inspect and upgrade any aging plumbing fixtures and supply lines, as older components are more prone to failure and can cause significant problems during a tenancy.
Finally, ensure all pipes are properly insulated, especially those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls, to prevent freezing and bursting during cold weather, which can lead to catastrophic water damage and costly repairs.
5. Choose the Right Insurance Coverage
Standard homeowner’s insurance often doesn’t adequately cover rental properties. Work with your insurance agent to:
- Obtain proper landlord insurance
- Ensure adequate liability coverage
- Consider requiring renters insurance from tenants
- Understand what damages you’re responsible for versus tenant responsibility
The Moving Company’s Perspective
As professional movers, we’ve witnessed the aftermath of water damage countless times. Here’s what we recommend:
Before Moving Out:
- Schedule plumbing maintenance before listing your property
- Consider having appliances professionally disconnected and reconnected
- Use our packing services to properly protect and remove items from high-risk areas
During the Rental Period:
- Store irreplaceable items in our secure facilities rather than leaving them in the rental property
- Keep detailed inventory lists of what remains in the home
- Consider quarterly property inspections
Working with Tenants to Prevent Disasters
Good communication with your tenants can save you from major headaches down the road. Make sure they know how to use everything in the rental, from the refrigerator to the thermostat, and give them a list of who to call when things go wrong (your go-to plumber, electrician, etc.).
Set up a simple system for reporting problems right away, because a small leak today can become a flooded apartment tomorrow. It’s also smart to spell out in the lease that tenants need to report water issues immediately and take basic prevention steps, like not leaving windows open during rainstorms or keeping the heat on in winter to prevent frozen pipes.
When Disaster Strikes! The Importance of Quick Action
Even if you prepare as best you can, accidents happen. Don’t fret. If water damage does occur, here’s a few things you can do:
- Document everything immediately!
- Contact your insurance company within 24 hours
- Hire professional water damage restoration services
- Notify all affected parties promptly
- Keep detailed records of all communications and repairs
How BMS Moving & Storage Can Help
Whether you’re preparing to rent out your property or dealing with the aftermath of water damage, BMS Moving & Storage offers comprehensive solutions:
- Pre-rental moving services: We’ll help you safely remove and store personal belongings
- Secure storage options: Climate-controlled facilities protect your items from damage
- Emergency moving services: If water damage requires immediate evacuation of belongings
- Professional packing: Proper packing prevents secondary damage during storage
The Marisa Tomei incident serves as a reminder that water damage can happen to anyone, regardless of property value or location. By taking proactive steps before renting out your property, maintaining proper insurance coverage, and working with professional partners like BMS Moving & Storage, you can minimize risks and protect your investment.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to water damage in rental properties.
Contact BMS Moving & Storage today at (877) 638-1265 for a free consultation on our storage solutions. With 17 locations nationwide and over 4,000 verified 5-star reviews, we’re here to make your transition smooth and worry-free!
