All Summerville landlords would want their tenants to feel safe and comfortable in their rental homes. However, there is the possibility of them encountering hazardous conditions if you don’t take precautions to avoid them. In this article, we list down three of the most common household hazards that could make your tenants very ill if they remain unchecked. If you want your rental property to be a safe place for your tenants, you must know these household hazards and how to prevent them.
Toxic Mold
Mold loves to grow in areas that are high in moisture and have a food source, like cardboard or paper. Mold produces a particular musty smell that most people usually notice. Although there are many different kinds of mold, most are not particularly harmful to people. However, Stachybotrys, otherwise known as black mold, can trigger allergic reactions to those who are sensitive to their spores. Toxic mold can cause problems ranging from respiratory distress to anaphylactic shock, in most extreme cases.
The good news is that you can easily prevent mold from growing in your rental home. Simply running an exhaust fan in steamy bathrooms, airing out the house, or installing a dehumidifier in the basement can all keep mold away from your property. If you ever find black mold, you must call in a professional who can safely get rid of it as well as fix the source of moisture that causes it.
Asbestos
In older rental homes, asbestos is a big problem. As long as it stays undisturbed within walls or other closed areas, asbestos is relatively harmless. If you have asbestos in your rental property walls, you need to inform your tenant and tell them not to drill holes or hammer nails into the walls. Asbestos can enter the home via the openings and cause mesothelioma cancer.
You will need to get a licensed professional to remove asbestos so you can avoid asbestos-related illnesses. Do not do it yourself.
Fire
Another common occurrence in the United States is household fires. It is estimated that an average of seven people dies every day from house fires. Cooking fires are usually started with oil and other ingredients. On the other hand, laundry room fires are often caused by dryer lint. Other main contributors to household fires are faulty appliances, electrical issues, and unattended candles.
To prevent fires in your rental home, here are some things you can do. First, ensure that your rental home is free from any electrical issues and that you have a yearly cleaning schedule for your dryer vent. Next, your tenants must be educated on fire safety and provided with fire extinguishers and quality smoke detectors. With these simple steps, you can be sure of reducing the chances of your rental property going up in flames.
It can be very time-consuming to ensure that your tenants are kept healthy and safe. Why not let the experts help? At Real Property Management Distinguished Care, our comprehensive property management and tenant relations programs are designed to keep both your property and your tenants safe. To learn more about the services we offer, call us at 828-342-9683 or contact us online today!
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.
