Protect Your Tenants! 5 Safety Tips For Landlords

A fire which causes by electrical faults is one of the nightmares of house owners. As a result, many landlords closely pay attention to home safety to attract more tenants and avoid potential hazards.

It is not an easy task to make tenants feel safe. However, there are a few safety precautions which can be implemented to ensure the tenant’s safety.

MAKE RENTAL HOUSES EASY TO FIND

Based on the Live Safe Foundation, there are many ways to improve the tenant’s safety. One of these is by ensuring the house number is visible enough to be seen from the main street.

It’s important to quickly locate the building in case of an emergency. It also saves time for emergency personnel during the rescue.

Guidelines:

• Avoid the fancy design of numbers. It may look good but, very difficult to read from the street.
• Set house numbers size, minimum of four inches high.
• Make sure the color of the font and background are contrasting.
• Do not use brass and bronze numbers because they’re not visible during day and night time.
• Display house numbers in gate, fence or mailbox.
• Remove all obstructions that cover the numbers such as tree limbs, shrubs, and decorations.

PRACTICE CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), rental properties should have installed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. It warns tenants about potential poisoning caused by too much CO in the atmosphere.

Test alarm systems at least once a month to ensure all alarms are functioning properly. Also, do not forget to clean detectors and replace it with new batteries.

Guidelines:

• Install alarm systems in every room of the house, especially in bedrooms.
• Keep alarms at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
• Interconnect all carbon monoxide to hear the alarm in any part of the house.
• Replace alarms every five to seven years, depending on the manufacturer’s advice.

MAINTAIN HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

Routine maintenance for heating, air-conditioning units, and ventilation is an important task according to Energy Star. It ensures the more energy-efficient operation and reduces fire hazards too.

 Guidelines:

• Lubricate all moving parts. Friction in motors increases the energy consumed.
• Clean air conditioning coils regularly. Dirty coils reduce the system’s cooler ability which causes it to run longer. Also, it results in high energy costs.
• Check gas, gas pressure and combustion connection to ensure there is no leak which may result in potential fire hazards and health problems. 

TAKE SECURITY PRECAUTIONS

As a landlord, it’s important to make tenants feel safe. However, the landlord’s safety is a priority too. Implementing security precautions make both tenants and owners safer at the rental house.

Guidelines:

• Put adequate lighting inside and outside the property. Use motion sensors to make it more energy efficient.
• Make sure all entrance and exit doors have deadbolt locks. It makes hard for criminals to break in.
• Equip doors with peepholes or intercom system to check who is outside without opening the door.
• Do a background check and screening for all tenants to ensure they are trustworthy.
• Install security cameras if needed to monitor the area 24/7.

INSPECT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

It’s a responsibility of homeowners to ensure that electrical wiring and systems are properly installed on their property. The rental place should free from any electrical faults that may cause fires.

Guidelines:

• Do a monthly check on electrical outlets. Routine testing helps landlords to resolve problems before it creates big damage.
• Replace damaged wirings immediately.
• Avoid cheap wires and outlets. It’s better to spend some for an expensive product than risking the tenant’s safety in using low-quality wires and outlets.
• Conduct a short orientation with the new tenants. Discuss the Do’s and Don’ts about electricity. For example, electrical appliances must far from taps and showers.

By following these guidelines, fire hazards caused by electrical faults can be prevented. It’s better to prepare for this kind of circumstances and ensure your tenants and your safety.

Visit Econnex for more electrical safety tips.