Safety is on the mind of every tenant, and it’s your responsibility as a landlord to provide a home that’s safe, habitable, and functional. Whether you’re keeping them safe from faulty plumbing, fire hazards, tropical weather, or unexpected pandemics, the more security you can provide your tenants, the better the rental experience will be for everyone.
Our years in Charleston property management have provided us with some insight on how to keep your rental home safe for your tenants. These are some of our best tips.
Inspect the Property’s Exterior
A lot of danger can lurk outside your rental home. Make sure there’s adequate exterior lighting. If you’re renting out a single-family home with a garage, consider putting motion lights in so your tenants will know if there’s any activity outside of the house at night. Porch lights should be available, and all doors and windows should have working locks. Consider installing a peephole if there’s not one already. Giving residents the opportunity to see who is outside before they open the door can provide a lot of safety and security.
Look for health and safety issues, too. Check the roof for any wear or damage. You don’t want any risk of water intrusion. If you’re renting out a multi-family property or a building, check the balconies and the stairs. Look for corrosion, rust, deterioration, and anything that’s loose or uneven.
Wood rot can also be a problem in the humid South Carolina summers, so make sure you don’t need to treat any surfaces or patios. Routine preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping your property safe. Annual inspections will provide peace of mind that the outside of your home is safe for residents and their guests.
Provide Security Options
You don’t necessarily have to pay for an alarm on your property. But, you should make it available to tenants if they want to install their own system. Doorbells with video cameras are popular, and a lot of smart home technology is helping people feel safer in their homes. Encourage these systems and tools, and be willing to support any additional security initiatives that will keep your residents feeling safe in their Goose Creek rental home.
Prevent Fires and Floods
A major item on your safety checklist is smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire can be an unexpected danger, and odorless carbon monoxide from heaters and appliances can be deadly. Check them at least twice a year and make sure your residents understand the emergency procedures if there’s a fire.
Water is another potential hazard. Check your property’s gutters and roof every year and make sure there aren’t any slow drips or leaks in the plumbing. Inspect sinks, toilets, and tubs. Water will lead to mold, which can lead to health issues and expensive remediation issues. A preventative approach is far safer and more cost-effective.
Document all of your safety inspections so you can demonstrate that you’re responsive to any issues that have arisen at your property. Make sure your tenants understand the importance of reporting maintenance problems right away.
If you’d like some help with a safety checklist or any Goose Creek property management tips, please contact us at ROG Coastal Property Management.