As a landlord, conducting routine maintenance to your rental units is a responsibility that you should not take lightly. Not only will you maintain your good reputation as a landlord, but more importantly, you can save yourself from possible lawsuits.
One of the most stressful and terrifying situations that a landlord could be caught in is being sued by a tenant. Usually, tenant lawsuits are because of two reasons; it’s either the unit have unaddressed issues like mold and infestation, or a tenant encountered an accident because of overlooked safety hazards due to the landlord’s neglect.
The best way a landlord can avoid getting sued by a tenant is to constantly have a thorough inspection of the property. To ensure thoroughness, it’s best to have a checklist on what to inspect. Some units might need a longer list, but there are a few general areas you can focus on first:
Fire hazards
Reducing the risk of fire will greatly increase your chances of not getting sued. Check smoke detectors in your building or apartment. Be familiar with the recommendations of state and local laws on fire safety, including the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide poisoning could lead to a tenant’s death.
Make sure fire alarms are working. Check the tags. It must be replaced after 10 years from the date of manufacturing.
It’s good to thoroughly research other fire hazards that are often overlooked. It could be anything from stovetops, rusty fire escapes, or expired fire extinguishers. Posting a fire evacuation floor plan in units and hallways can better inform your tenants the routes of escape in case of fire.
Electrical wirings
Speaking of fire hazards, electrical safety checks must be regularly conducted. Check circuit breakers, fuse boxes, and power outlets for any sign of damage. You also don’t want your tenants to get electrocuted.
Plumbing
Problems with water supply and plumbing brings great inconvenience to tenants. Plumbing issues must be immediately addressed. A tenant has grounds to sue you if you refuse to fix it. Have at least two on-call plumbers near your area.
Stairs and Banisters
This is another common cause of accidents in rental homes. Wood can deteriorate and it can make these pathways unstable. If you ignore signs of possible deterioration, you will be liable for accidents. If the injured tenant can prove that there was negligence on your part, you could face charges that can be financially devastating.
Doors and locks
Ensure the security of your tenants by making sure that doors and locks work properly. Make sure intruders can’t enter your unit or building and harm your tenants. Remove any blockage on both sides of fire exits and escape routes.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation can prevent moisture and heat from accumulating, which encourages mold growth. To eliminate moisture and regulate heat, installing ventilating exhaust extractor fans is highly recommended. This is very important especially in bathrooms since it’s more prone to mold and usually don’t have windows for proper air circulation.
A well-managed unit not only saves you from potential lawsuits and protect your reputation as a landlord, but it is more attractive to potential tenants as well. Put up your listing in Padleads.com and highlight how well-maintained your units are to attract everyone who will come across your listing. Padleads can reach a wide market of home-hunters so be sure to give them a really good impression in your listings.