The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Before it starts, check insurance, shutters, roof, drainage and generator; agree a storm plan with your manager covering guests, bookings and photos; and make sure someone on the island can secure the villa and report back within a day.
Owning a rental villa in Antigua means planning for hurricane season every year. Most seasons pass without a direct hit. The owners who come through bad ones best are those who prepared in May, not the night before a warning.
Before the season (April to May)
- Insurance. Read the windstorm section of your policy. Check the excess, whether loss of rental income is covered, and what evidence a claim needs.
- Shutters and windows. Test every shutter. Make sure the fixings are there and someone knows where they're stored.
- Roof and gutters. Have the roof inspected and the gutters and drains cleared.
- Trees and outdoor items. Cut back branches near the house. List every item that must come inside: furniture, umbrellas, kayaks, pool equipment.
- Generator and water. Service the generator and check the cistern and pumps.
- Photos. Take dated photos and video of every room and the exterior. They're your baseline for any claim.
Your storm plan with your manager
Agree this in writing before June:
- Who secures the villa, and how quickly after a watch is issued.
- How guests are told, and what happens to their booking.
- Your cancellation policy for storm disruptions on each booking site.
- Who inspects the villa after a storm and sends you photos, and by when.
- Which contractors are lined up for urgent repairs.
When a storm is coming
Follow official guidance from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service and the National Office of Disaster Services. Guests come first: give them clear information early. Then secure the property, bring everything inside, switch off what should be off, and fill water containers.
After the storm
Inspect, photograph, and stop further damage (water ingress is the usual culprit). Contact your insurer quickly. Update the booking calendar honestly. A villa that's back in shape fast often picks up guests displaced from damaged properties.
Ask your manager this
"Show me your storm plan." A manager with a team on the island should have one ready. If they don't, that tells you how they'll handle the rest. More questions in our guide to choosing a manager.
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