Property damage guidance for independent landlords
Before you call the wrong person.
Take a breath - a call to the wrong person can make the situation worse. Document, review insurance coverage, mitigate. The order and who you talk to matters more than you think.
Philly Metro
guidance tuned to your region
72 hours
critical window for mitigation
Document first
before any cleanup or repairs
Document damage, check the deductible, and get guidance before opening a claim
Document all damage with photos
Before any cleanup begins
First call? Probably should not be to your carrier
Discuss with an expert before starting repairs
Don't let a contractor file your claim — assignment-of-benefits forms can cost you.
What You Need to Know
Learn How to Handle Property Damage
When property damage happens, the steps you take in the first 72 hours matter most. Get the documentation, insurance, and mitigation order right — and protect your claim and your property.
Document everything
Photos, video, and written notes before any cleanup or repair. Insurers require timely, thorough documentation.
Insurance
Contact a trusted adjuster first. They can review the damage, help understand whether filing a claim is recommended and guide you on best way to proceed.
Mitigation
A mitigation company can quickly prevent secondary damage — water, mold, structural compromise.
Understanding your claim
Know what your policy covers before you file. Don't assume coverage you don't have. A denied claim will count against your claims history.
Public adjuster
A PA works for you. They review the damage, help understand whether filing a claim is recommended and guide you on best way to proceed.
Contractor selection
Choose a contractor once the claim path is clear. Avoid anyone who pressures you to sign quickly, file the claim for you, or take over your insurance benefits.
Avoid These
Mistakes that cost landlords
! Calling a contractor first
Before determining if insurance applies, a contractor may start work that voids your claim. Call insurance first.
! Allowing unauthorized repairs
Repairs before the insurer sees the damage can void your claim entirely. Document, then wait for the adjuster.
! Waiting to document
Insurers require timely notice. Photos taken days after cleanup are useless — document immediately.
! Signing AOB forms blindly
A contractor's assignment-of-benefits form hands your insurance payout to them. Read it before signing anything.
! Assuming coverage
Don't assume the damage is covered without checking your actual policy. Surprises here are expensive.
We Can Help
Guidance first, then the right pros
Tell us what happened
Share the damage type, when it occurred, and what you've done so far.
We review the submission
Your information is reviewed by our trusted professional before they reach out.
Connect with a pro
Our pro will follow up to discuss your damage, explain the options, and help you decide whether filing a claim makes sense.
Get the Right Pro for the Job
Don't gamble on who works on your rental.
We help you take the guesswork out of property damage. Real Landlording connects you with reliable pros who understand rental properties, insurance claim requirements, and the urgency of preventing further damage.
From landlords who stopped guessing
"Shout out to Sheryl and her amazing referral program!!"
Dana F.
Philadelphia, PA
"I've been quite happy with the connection made for apartment turnovers through Real Landlording Philly."
Adrienne H.
Philadelphia, PA
"The Real Landlording roofer did a great job of saving my roof. It's been over 2 years since he repaired it and no issues so far. Very timely and efficient."
Ashley L.
Philadelphia, PA