Winter is coming in quick and this is that time of year, Albertan’s start planning their trips out to snowy cabins, exotic beach getaways and holidays at their friends and family homes! Renting is all about convenience and hassle-free living, but renting still does require a little attention to detail in those times.

Fort McMurray is no stranger to sudden swings in temperature and this can wreak havoc on a home if you are away and something normally insignificant, is left for several days unattended to.

We thought we would share these easy but very important steps to take to ensure that when you return home, its not to any damage or preventable disaster that offsets that holiday you earned.

Here are FIVE steps to helping you avoid problems while you head out for those deserved holidays!:

#1 Contact your insurance broker or company

You should get in touch with your insurance company and notify them of the dates you will be away.

Many insurance policies have clauses that will void coverage if your property is left unoccupied and unattended for extended periods of time. Review your rental insurance coverage and what requirements are in place in periods of absenteeism from your home.

#2 Have someone check the place out every few days

Review your renter’s insurance policy! Many indicate that you need to ensure that there is someone or a method in place that would monitor your home while you are gone.

Some policies actually state that someone needs to check the premises at least once every 72 hours in your absence.

Have this person look for water leaks in the basement or ceilings. Even though the main concern is in the winter months, when pipes could burst due to plummeting temperatures, leaks or flooding could just as easily happen in the summer.

Its very important that if this person notices a steep drop in temperature, that they have a look at the furnace. If that temperature continues to dip to freezing temperatures, pipes, toilets, etc. can all crack and these are high cost repairs that you will have to be responsible for.

#3 Take out the trash (and take it in)

No one wants to come home to garbage that’s been sitting around for over a week, so make sure to empty all trash, recycling and compost bins before you leave.

With Fort McMurray being no stranger to wandering wildlife as well, its wise to be ahead of anything that may draw extra, unwanted attention to your bins, porch, garage or yard.

#4 Set your thermostat to a money-saving temperature

You don’t want to unnecessarily cool or heat your townhouse when there’s no one home, and you definitely do NOT want to turn off your thermostat.

Set the temperature to something moderate, preventing unnecessary utility use. This keeps the home warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing or enduring unnecessary stressors. This also prevents the build up of condensation or moisture in high efficiency homes, when there is a lack of natural circulation that is created by your daily routine; opening doors, winters, turning on fans or moving about.

#5 Unplug all non-essential appliances

This will help you save on energy and protect your home in the instance of power surges! Not necessarily a common issue, but the damage that can result if there is a sudden surge, can destroy appliances, computers or devices left plugged in (while you are gone).

Its also helpful in reducing your utilities when you unplug appliances or devices not in use as they continuous draw on low levels of voltage.

Following these five simple steps with your rental in Fort McMurray, can help you unplug and enjoy your time away.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for further help or assistance in planning for those extended periods away.