A Property Manager's 90-Day Post-Storm Action Plan

Day 0–1 (Immediately Post-Storm)

• Confirm no active water intrusion or structural exposure
• Photograph exterior damage (ground-level only; no unsafe roof access)
• Note date, time, approximate hail size, estimated wind speed
• Call carrier's claims line to open a claim number (even if you're not yet sure of scope)

Day 2–5

• Schedule professional roof inspection with a local commercial roofer
• Review insurance policy for named-storm and wind/hail deductibles
• Identify each affected building in multifamily portfolios
• Start tenant notification for any visible exterior damage

Day 6–14

• Receive inspection report
• Submit claim with inspection documentation attached
• Coordinate adjuster's on-property walk
• Attend the adjuster walk with your contractor present

Day 15–30

• Receive adjuster's initial scope
• Review scope with contractor for completeness
• File supplements for legitimate missed scope
• Begin tenant communication for upcoming work

Day 31–60

• Receive final approved scope
• Schedule production start
• Receive phased work schedule from contractor
• Distribute tenant notices

Day 61–90

• Production work
• Daily photo documentation of progress
• Weekly project manager check-in
• Final walk + punch list + closeout documentation

Day 90+

• Submit closeout documentation to carrier for RCV release
• File closeout package for lender or asset-manager records
• Schedule post-completion tenant follow-up (multifamily)

What Goes Wrong When

• Day 0–5: delayed inspection (damage patterns weather; claim windows close)
• Day 6–14: claim filed without documentation (leads to denial or under-scope)
• Day 15–30: scope approved without contractor review (missed items stay missed)
• Day 31–60: material delays without tenant communication (complaint volume spikes)
• Day 61–90: daily debris not contained (tenant complaints, slip risk)
• Day 90+: RCV depreciation not filed (money left on the table)

What Property Managers Should Have On Speed-Dial

• Carrier's commercial claims line
• Broker (for policy language questions)
• Commercial roofer (for inspection and scope)
• Legal counsel (for AOB or claim-dispute scenarios)
• Property-management peers who've navigated claims before