As a Dania Beach rental property owner, guaranteeing your property meets appropriate rental safety standards is a big responsibility. Even though some standards may change from state to state or even city to city, there are numerous standards that rental property owners should adhere to. According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, housing codes are designed to set a minimum standard for landlords and tenants. In place of being an annoyance, these standards can be a helpful guide as you prepare your rental home for quality tenants. By bringing your property up to par on the following six things, you can better protect your tenants and your property values – also your bank account.
Stairs and Railings
Slips and falls are a common concern and can instantly cause your tenant and their visitors’ significant physical injury. Minimize risk by making sure that all stairs and railings on the property are in good condition. Replace and refinish wooden stairs every so often, and remember to clear concrete stairs of debris, ice, and other hazards. It’s also recommended to paint stairs with a non-slip coating to keep them from getting slippery in wet weather. Railings must be at least 42 inches high and should not move or wobble easily. Bear in mind to replace missing railings and tighten loose fasteners after you notice a problem.
Smoke Detectors
In many states, landlords are required by law to have functional smoke detectors in their rental property. However, regardless of whether it wasn’t required, it’s an important safety measure that all landlords should observe. Check your smoke alarms every year and replace weak or dead batteries immediately. It’s also a good decision to check if your state requires carbon monoxide detectors besides smoke detectors – other does. Both types of sensors can help you keep your tenants safe in the event of an emergency.
Doors and Locks
Security is an important part of basic rental safety standards that all landlords should meet. At a minimum, your tenant prefers well-fitting, good-quality exterior doors complete with both a locking lockset and a deadbolt in each one. The locks should be changed between tenants, and your tenant supplied with a set of the new keys. If your rental is in a location with high crime rates, you might also consider adding a security system. Even if you don’t, you can help enhance your tenant’s safety and discourage would-be burglars with quality doors and locks.
GFI Outlets
Ground Fault Interrupting outlets (GFIs) are already required since 1971. However, if your Dania Beach rental house is older than that, you might need to upgrade your electrical outlets. GFIs are essential since they help prevent electric shocks and fires. When completely wired, these outlets include a circuit that will trip in the event of an electrical surge or a ground fault. Usually, electrical outlets close to a water source, regularly placed in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and the exterior, should be GFI outlets.
Lead Paint
Another critical problem with older rental homes is the presence of lead-based paint. Before 1978, plenty of houses used this type of paint for interior elements. Paint on wooden window sills, railings, and even walls can flake off, spreading toxic metals all over the property. Lead is particularly dangerous to little children and pets. To figure out whether your rental has lead-based paint or not, get it checked. If you find lead in your rental property, contact someone trained in the extraction of lead paint. It would benefit if you also alerted the renters about the presence of lead paint.
Pest Infestations
One last rental safety standard you should pay attention to is the presence of pests. From mice and rats to insects, pests of any sort are both a nuisance and a disease carrier. Your responsibility is to guarantee that your rental home is free of pests before leasing it. Yet, if the pests return, regardless of whether your tenants are not keeping the property clean, it is still your responsibility to get rid of the pests. One solution to detect if your property is pest-free is to contact a local pest control company to service your property on a schedule.
By allowing your property to follow these basic safety standards, you significantly reduce your risk of expensive lawsuits and serious issues. However, keeping a property up to code can take both time and effort. If you would prefer to spend your time pursuing other interests, think about hiring Real Property Management Premier to handle the property maintenance for you. Our Dania Beach property managers are knowledgeable in rental safety standards and know what to do to protect both your tenants and your property value. Contact us online or call us at 954-362-5235.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
