Los Angeles is known for sunshine, but it has a real rainy season. It is commonly listed as running from October 15 to April 15, with the heaviest rain usually falling between December and February. When a hard storm hits, the problems tend to be ordinary ones: a clogged drain, a leak through a ceiling or window, a flooded gutter, a wet floor. Most cost less to prevent than to repair.
This checklist covers what renters and property owners can do before the rain arrives, what to do when water gets in, and which Los Angeles services to call.
Before the rain: renters
- Find your water shutoff and circuit breaker. If you don’t know where they are, ask us. Our post on the first 30 days in a new rental explains why it matters.
- Look for early warning signs. Check ceilings, window frames and corners for stains, peeling paint or soft spots. If you see any, take dated photos and send them to us now, before the first storm makes them worse.
- Keep balcony, patio and walkway drains clear of leaves and debris. Don’t climb onto a roof or try to repair a gutter yourself. Report it instead.
- Sign up for NotifyLA, the City of Los Angeles emergency alert system.
- Be careful where you park. City guidance says to avoid parking on streets that tend to flood, because parked cars can block storm drains.
If water gets in
- Move belongings and furniture away from the wet area.
- Stay away from outlets, switches and light fixtures that water has reached. If anyone is in danger, call 911.
- Take photos and note the time and the location in the unit.
- Report it to Studio B right away (details below) and tell us whether water is still coming in.
Who to call outside your unit
- Street or alley flooding, a clogged storm drain, or a fallen tree: call 311 or use the myLA311 app. You can also call LA Sanitation’s 24-hour line at 1-800-773-2489.
- Power outage or water main break: LADWP customers can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
Free sandbags from the fire department
The Los Angeles Fire Department offers free ready-to-fill sandbags at its neighborhood fire stations year-round, up to 25 per household, with free sand at select locations during the season. LAFD does not fill, deliver, place or remove them. Sandbags work best to divert moving water away from a building, not to block it. Check the LAFD website for the nearest station and call ahead to confirm availability.
For property owners
- Clear gutters, downspouts and drains, and fix known roof leaks before heavy rain is in the forecast.
- Have a qualified contractor look at any area that has leaked before. If Studio B manages your property, we coordinate vendors and repairs. Our seasonal maintenance calendar lists what to check each season.
- Keep dated photos, work orders and invoices for every repair.
- Make sure tenants know how to report a problem. See how Studio B handles tenant problems.
How to report a problem to Studio B
Use our contact page, call 424-367-3670, or email support@studiobdtla.com. Please include your unit and address, what is happening and where, photos, and whether water is actively coming in.
This post is general information, not professional advice. Follow guidance from the City of Los Angeles and emergency officials during storms.
Studio B Residential & Commercial Property Management | Los Angeles, CA | 424-367-3670 | support@studiobdtla.com | studiobdtla.com