Verifying the safety standards in your rental protects you from facing negative consequences that can be costly. If a rental home is neglected or hardly inspected for safety, you may end up dealing with mold presence, flooding, fires, or other expensive issues .
As a landlord, you have a legal duty to keep your tenants safe by providing secure and habitable housing. To achieve this, it’s vital to check on the following:
Evaluate the Property’s Age
Older homes tend to require more upkeep. Renovations in older homes are expected expenses given that the house's systems need to be updated and the rental property needs to be maintained.
Structural integrity may be compromised given that over the years the home has been exposed to elements such as weather changes and weaker foundations, as well as natural degradation.
There may be leaks and hidden problems with the present heating, ventilation and air conditioning units too. Make sure to schedule frequent inspections when you own and manage an old property. You can also seek out a professional opinion to check the foundation to ensure that it’s still stable.
Examine the Doors and Windows
As main access points, doors and windows need to be properly protected. The locks, latches and material of the doors and windows must remain solid. You can also fortify the property’s security further by adding a bolt, peephole and security camera.
Windows need to be properly secured in order to keep out intruders. They are vulnerable to weather damage and breaking. In order to avoid these issues, install lever locks and tempered glass.
Adding these features keeps the rooms sealed off from the outside elements when it’s too cold or hot, while also keeping the home secure. Lastly, barriers should be removed from doors and windows so if an emergency occurs, the resident can quickly exit the unit.
Pay Attention to the Floors, Walls and Ceilings
When your flooring has a tendency to become slippery, it can result in accidents. To prevent this from occurring, check your flooring material: place carpets for increased friction and to soften falls. If there are chipped tiles, get them fixed right away.
The longer you ignore property damages, the more costly it can become. Choose to invest in quality materials right away in order to save money on repairing floors.
Check that the walls show no signs of water damage. They can appear as stains, bubbling paint, warped walls, and mold. Act quickly if you spot any of these signs.
Repairing water leaks can be expensive because the damages might be substantial, but the longer you wait, the worse the issue becomes.
For ceilings, signs of water leaks can be visible in a similar way to the walls. Sagging ceilings are another sign to be aware of.
If you spot ceiling cracks or peeling paint, that can also lead to further property damage. They can be a sign of further structural damage. As mentioned, if the problem is ignored then the repair cost can increase significantly.
Review the Electrical
Your electrical system should always be up-to-date with current regulations and laws. Keeping up-to-date not only protects you from legal issues, but it also protects you and your tenants from fires. Check for circuit overloads and lose wires.
For older properties, the electric load is lower when compared to newer electronics. Even just plugging in your newer appliances can cause a fire hazard in an older property.
Arrange a checkup with a licensed electrician. You and your tenants will gain peace of mind knowing that your electrical system is up to safety standards.
You should also ensure that your fire alarms and smoke detectors are working as they should be to further protect people from fires. Change the batteries and test all emergency detectors regularly.
Inspect the Plumbing
Plumbing systems can be subject to tenant damage that you want to prevent given that it’s one of the most frequently used systems in a house. In order to use any water in the rental, tenants must use the plumbing systems,
Always remain vigilant to water leaks. Replace broken pipes to avoid flooding of the home. Make sure that your pipes are durable and check the gutters and drains so the water follows the natural path, outside the property.
Install a Security Systems
To better protect your tenants, invest in a sound security system. Motion sensors and smart locks can keep trespassers away from your property. You can also place security cameras in common areas of your rental building, such as hallways, doors, or shared spaces for additional security.
If you’re purchasing a home insurance policy, some offer discount incentives when a home has a proper security system installed. Cameras, alarms, and other systems need to be regularly tested to ensure they’re in peak condition.
You want your renters to feel at ease living in your rental space. If a landlord shows concern by investing in security systems, tenants are bound to stay longer because they know their safety and the safety of the property is being prioritized.
Inspect the Heating System
Fires can start due to broken heaters. It’s imperative to have heating systems checked before the colder weather. Make sure to have the boiler inspected once a year and clean heaters .
You should also ensure that combustible materials are not placed close to heaters.
Check Every Appliance
If appliances are old or in need of repair, make that a priority. Broken appliances can quickly become a hazard. . Older appliances tend to be energy depleting and overheat more often, which can lead to fires.
Opt for higher quality appliances to reduce the need for frequent repairs which can add up quickly.
Bottom Line
Safety standards should be strictly followed. Don’t hesitate to contact professionals for more complicated jobs, in order to get trusted feedback and services. Remember that offering safety to your renters comes with the territory of being a landlord.
If you need help inspecting your property and keeping up with repairs, you can hire a property management company. Contact NFI Property Management Solutions today!