It’s critical for you as a Homestead property manager that your tenants feel secure and at home in their rental property. Reducing vacancies and improving the property’s cash flow can be achieved by ensuring a tenant’s safety. But some potentially dangerous circumstances can arise without your knowledge if you don’t take extra care. Let’s examine five of the most common household hazards that, if left unchecked, could cause serious illness or death to your tenants. It’s vital to be aware of the typical household hazards and how to avoid them if you want to make sure that your rental property is safe for your tenants.
Toxic Mold
Molds develop in moist areas that contain a food source, such as cardboard or paper. Mold usually emits a musty odor, which is typically the first sign that most people notice. Molds come in a wide variety, the majority of which are unsightly but not particularly harmful to people. Black mold, or Stachybotrys, on the other hand, can be poisonous. Respiratory distress, anaphylactic shock, and allergic reactions are all possible side effects.
Mold growth prevention in rental properties is relatively straightforward. Mold can be prevented from growing on your property by simply running exhaust fans in steamy bathrooms, opening the windows, or installing a dehumidifier in the basement. Think about instructing your tenants on mold prevention and assisting them in comprehending the risks. Regularly looking for mold in your home is another important step. If the worst should happen and you discover black mold, it’s vital to contact a professional right away who can safely remove it and handle the problem that caused the moisture that led to the mold in the first place.
Asbestos
Asbestos is unquestionably a significant issue, particularly for older rental properties. Asbestos is relatively harmless so long as it is contained within walls or other enclosed areas and is not disturbed. If the walls of your rental property contain asbestos, you must make sure that your tenant is aware that they must not drill holes or make any other kind of openings in the walls, not even to hammer in a nail. Asbestos can enter the house through even small gaps, leading to the cancer mesothelioma.
Only qualified professionals should remove asbestos. You should not attempt to remove it on your own or let a tenant do it in order to avoid injury and diseases associated with asbestos exposure.
Lead Poisoning
Lead is another potential hazard that may be present in older rental properties. Before it was banned in 1978, lead paint was regularly used in older homes. Even if the old paint has been covered up, as homes age, paint can flake off, exposing your tenants’ children, pets, and other family members to toxic lead. In some regions, lead poisoning is also caused by the presence of old pipes.
To prevent lead poisoning, you should have the plumbing and water in your rental property thoroughly inspected for lead. Additionally, if your property was constructed prior to 1978, it would be wise to have the paint tested and removed by experts who are qualified to do so safely. The only way to ensure that your tenants are safe from lead is to completely remove the old paint from all impacted surfaces, even though painting over lead paint is a temporary workaround.
Fire
In the United States, house fires happen far too frequently. Furthermore, home fires can be fatal. On average, more than 346,000 000 residential fires occur each year, resulting in 2,620 civilian fatalities. Cooking fires are brought on by oil and other ingredients, while laundry room fires are most often started by dryer lint. Faulty appliances, electrical problems, and lit candles left unattended are other significant causes of home fires.
You should take a number of actions to keep your rental property free from fires. First, make every effort to ensure that your rental property is free from electrical problems and have the dryer vent cleaned once a year. Second, give them fire extinguishers, functional smoke detectors, and other necessities, and instruct them on fire safety, as well. The likelihood that your rental property will catch fire can be significantly decreased by taking these easy steps.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is another typical home hazard. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as wood, propane, gasoline, and charcoal. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in an enclosed space and cause carbon monoxide poisoning if the engines and appliances that use these fuels are not properly ventilated. Mild carbon monoxide poisoning can result in headaches, nausea, vision blurring, and confusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occasionally lead to fatalities or irreversible tissue damage.
Through proper maintenance and tenant education, carbon monoxide poisoning may be avoided. If you have any fireplaces or appliances that use any of the above-mentioned fuels, it is essential to service them regularly. Install carbon monoxide detectors as well so that you and your tenants are made aware of any potential risks throughout your rental property. If your rental home has a garage or if your tenants have a propane grill or heater, it’s a good idea to explain to them that they should never leave a car running or use a propane device in an enclosed space. Simple safety instructions could prevent your tenants from becoming ill or even worse.
It takes effort and time to ensure the health and safety of your tenants. Why not rely on professionals? At Real Property Management Genesis, our comprehensive property management and tenant relations programs are designed to keep your property and tenants safe. Call us at 786-744-5700 to learn more about our services, or contact us online today!
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