Establishing a safe rental property for your tenants is part of providing a habitable living environment. Landlords can at times focus too much on keeping trespassers out by setting up solid security systems. But, as a landlord, you must consider all aspects of your property to ensure the safety of your tenants.
When home systems are unattended, the potential for property damage and accidents can be high. Fires can result from malfunction of electrical and overheated systems. It’s recommended that landlords prioritize property maintenance and regular property inspections of their rental properties.
They should also evaluate if the rental units have secure structures and comply with the building codes, as well as the health codes to ensure the renter’s safety. Reviewing safety standards is an essential duty of landlords to prevent property damage and avoid hefty repair expenses.
Check the following factors in your rental unit:
1. Age of the Property
If your rental home has been built for some time, you must inspect the home systems, such as the electrical and plumbing to ensure it meets the current safety codes. Another vital area to check is the integrity of your rental space structure. A lot of foundation issues can stem from old buildings. To ensure the safety of the residents, you must arrange for a professional to evaluate the property.
You might also be unaware if any property problems are present, such as leaks, mold problems, and pest infestation, so booking an inspection with an expert is advisable. With older structures, damage can also be spotted a lot of times due to wear and tear from housing a lot of occupants over time.
2. Secure the Doors and Windows
Landlords should strive to keep the doors and windows of their rental property secure since these are entryways. Opt for solid materials that can stand time and purchase durable locks. Make it difficult for intruders to enter the property. Flimsy locks and doors can easily be trespassed. Invest in more security features in your rental unit. Set up and activate security systems, and add durable locks and bolts to reassure the safety of the residents. Windows can also be vulnerable to break-ins by burglars. Make sure to have reliable locks and select the right material to seal it properly if it’s built in glass. Barriers to the entry points must also be removed for easy access, especially near emergency doors to avoid delays in exiting the property when a fire alarm sounds.3. Inspect the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
It’s easy to determine water damage caused by leaks if you spot wall and ceiling stains. Another issue that accompanies water damage is mold growth. If you see peeling paint and mold, check for the leak source and arrange for water damage repairs.
Have you noticed uneven flooring? It’s time to fix the floors if you see it since injuries are likely. Choosing the wrong flooring material also leads to more slips. To cushion falls, you can also lay out carpets. It’s best to address damaged floors and chipped tiles to reduce accidents in your unit. As a first-time landlord, consider consulting a professional maintenance team.
4. Inspect the Electrical System
Review if you need to upgrade your electrical system. Older properties need to match the present current load. If not, you can place renters at risk. Make sure you avoid overloading circuits and fix faulty wires. You must also have proper insulation and instruct the renters to use the appliances in a proper way to ensure it’s in great working order. Arrange to have your rental property inspected by a licensed electrician to gauge its functionality and review its compliance with the current safety standards. You must also inspect if the appliances need to be repaired or replaced. Wires can be a fire hazard and it’s best to have enough sockets in several rooms of your rental home.5. Evaluate the Plumbing System
Landlords can find it a burden to learn that water damage is present in the property since they result in costly maintenance emergencies. It’s important to know if your unit has plumbing problems.
You need to check first if you have a proper drainage system. Clean up the gutters and remind the renters to avoid pouring the oil down the kitchen drain since it can badly affect the plumbing.
Be consistent in inspecting pipes, especially during the winter and summer periods, when humidity is high.
Replace broken pipes and fix the leaks to stop the plumbing issues. Select high-quality pipe materials and inform the renters to refrain from discarding items in the toilet to prevent clogging.