Your tenants depend on you to keep them safe at all times, and it is in your best interest to ensure that you do this for them. Before you decide to become a landlord, it is important for you to know all the responsibilities, rules, and regulations that come with the job. Most times, landlords are faced with serious lawsuits due to ignorance, which is not an excuse in a court of law. Seek legal advice from an advocate who specializes in residential matters. That aside, let us have a look at how you can keep your end of the bargain by ensuring the safety of your tenants.
Secure Your Entrances
This is the number step to minimizing security threats that result from trespassers and thieves. You can secure the entrance to your premises by building strong and high perimeter walls and gates that are difficult to break or jump over. Invest in the best quality construction material for entrances and exits to your premises. You can add extra security measures such as installing security alarms and outsourcing security personnel from security firms.
Change Door Locks
You should always change the locks on the doors before a new tenant moves in. This is done to ensure the tenant’s safety as well as to protect you from liability. You don’t want the keys to the new renter’s unit in the hands of an old tenant. This is an expense that you may not want, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
When a previous renter moves out, and a new one moves in, you should always change the locks. If you’re going to give realtors keys to show your vacant units, make sure to use a generic lock and replace it before the renter moves in.
Install Proper Lighting
External lighting is a powerful method of keeping intruders away. Motion-sensor lights can be installed at the front and back of the house, as well as porch lights. The importance of adequate indoor lighting cannot be overstated. Inside the house, having functional lighting illuminates areas where an intruder might hide.
It also helps tenants to see where they’re walking, preventing falls or accidents that might lead to endless legal battles between you and your tenants. You can conserve the amount of energy consumed in lighting by using energy-saving bulbs.
Regular Home Maintenance
Tenant safety does not only apply to protection against crimes; your tenant also needs to know that they are safe from other potential risk factors such as fires and even electrocution. As a landlord, it’s your duty to ensure that you carry out regular inspections of your premises to ensure that everything is in place.
Accidents occur from faulty electrical boxes, which pose the risk of fires that can lead to fatalities. Ask your electrician to check online for insulators for sale and ensure that all the power outlets in your premises are properly insulated. This protects your tenants from electrical shocks, mostly children and pets.
Have Emergency Exits
At times you might be doing everything right, but for reasons out of your control, things still go wrong. This applies to security issues too. You may have put in place every security measure known for your tenants, but an accident still happens; in this case, it is advisable to put up an emergency exit for your tenants in case they need to escape to save their lives and that of their loved ones.
Also, ensure you position fire extinguishers in different places on your premises to aid in fire emergencies. You can also provide training sessions for your tenants on how to react in case of any emergencies. They will appreciate your efforts in keeping them safe, and this will build your rapport with them.
Provide Safes
This can be an added feature that will help you market your apartment to potential renters. People have very important documents that they want to keep safe in case of break-ins. There are some who are in possession of valuables such as expensive jewelry, cash, and heirlooms that they keep in their homes. Installing safes in your apartments will give you extra points when it comes to security.
Insure Your Property
Insurance saves you a great deal in case of any unfortunate incidents such as fire accidents. The insurance money will help you cover your losses and those of your tenants in such cases. People underestimate the importance of insurance, and most wish they had it while they are facing heavy fines and penalties from their tenants. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
In Summary
These security measures will not only help keep your tenants safe but will also get you more renters for the future. A good and open relationship with your tenants is also essential in ensuring that they do not drain you off all your money in case of any accidents. You can always settle matters out of court if you have a good relationship. Always ask for expert opinions from home improvement experts in case you are unsure about something.
