Rainy Season Tips for Renters
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by Ice Artificio
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Oct 23, 2024
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General
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The transition from the summer to the rainy season has been happening these past few weeks. We have to admit that it can get unnerving, especially if it’s your first time in the Philippines.
After all, the country is visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year. That excludes low-pressure areas or habagat. Factor in climate change and we’ve got ourselves some unpredictable weather ahead.
That said though, don’t be bogged down by the rain on your parade (pun intended). There are a handful of solutions during this time to help keep your rented home in tip-top shape or prevent any untoward incidents.
Read on to find out our rainy season tips for renters.
1. Prepare your designated entrance
This is a place to store your wet shoes, drizzled clothes, and dripping umbrella as soon as you enter your home.
Water isn’t the only thing that gets in the way when caught in the rain - there’s mud and dirt from outside too.
Prepare a designated place to put all your soiled items on one side. It doesn’t have to be big, just enough space to isolate the mess.
We recommend having a basin for your dripping items and some dry rugs nearby to wipe your feet.
Trust us when we say that it will save a whole lot of cleaning. Another plus is that slippery floors can be prevented.
2. Put away easily stained items
This includes white, porous shoes, light-colored bags, and other non-waterproof items. These objects are not rain-friendly, so it is best for them to be used when the sun comes back.
Don’t forget about household furniture like carpets. Move them away from entrances and windows.
3. Seal your windows
There’s nothing more unsightly than coming home to a puddle after getting drenched in rain.
Before leaving your rented condo, make sure to properly close all of your windows and add an extra layer of protection using some self-adhesive foam, or polyurethane caulk.
But if you’re on a tight budget, some clear plastic window film should do the trick.
4. Find leaks
Here’s our caveat with this tip: the only way to find small leaks is when they start to drip.
So, be on the lookout for the smallest leaks around your home. There may be some areas that are misting or feel damp to the touch.
These small drips can create the biggest problems. When you notice a leak, take a photo or video and inform your landlord and building admin immediately.
Mark the suspected area and ask to get it fixed as soon as brief moments of dry weather come in. If the leak is too severe and you end up hiring a maintenance person, save the receipt and take before and after photos in case something else happens.
5. Soothe your pets
The sound of rain on the pavement may be soothing for some of us, but the opposite may ring true for our pets. Coupled with loud thunderstorms and lightning, it can make them restless.
Help soothe your fur babies by creating a comfortable and warm environment. Try letting them stay in quiet areas of your home. Or if you’d like, right next to you in your bedroom.
For cat owners, silver vine can assist in lowering your feline’s anxiety levels as it is similar to catnip. Canine owners can give these to their dogs too if needed.
6. Stock up on dry food
Thankfully, we live in a time where there are many food delivery services that can provide for our needs.
But when the rain starts to pour in non-stop, the demand can skyrocket and the road conditions prove to be difficult for delivery guys to bring food to your doorstep.
We suggest keeping a small stock of dry, non-perishable food items and clean drinking water good for two to three days if a typhoon forces you to stay indoors longer than expected.
7. Create a go bag or a bug-out bag
You might’ve heard of these as schools and companies usually have them handy for students and employees. This bag contains essential items that will be useful, should you be stranded or suddenly evacuate.
Aside from this bag, have emergency numbers ready. Renting a condominium means you will be in a new neighborhood.
It pays to have contact numbers of the local fire department, police station, and hospital or nearby clinics. Put them on speed dial if you want to. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Final thoughts
While there are only two types of weather to expect in the Philippines, the extremities of both the hot and humid conditions can be challenging.
So, we hope that these tips are useful and are giving you a few a-ha moments to cope with the rainy season here.
Perhaps, you’d like to share your own rainy season tips? Feel free to add them in the comments section below.
Let’s all brave the storms together and have unwavering faith that we will get through them in one piece!
* This blog post was refreshed by Nina Tambal on July 2024.
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