Rental property owners are responsible for the security of their properties, it can be commercial spaces or residential. It is effective to maintain the property in well-condition. The various rules and protective measures keep the area safe. There are so many rules and regulations established about the maintenance of rented houses. The homeowners must go through some timely rental safety checks to make sure that they are providing quality and safe living to their tenants.
Timely rental safety checks are not only beneficial for the tenants but for the owners too as they can avoid any legal consequences that may occur after a safety issue. So, if you are willing to rent your house, know thoroughly what a rental safety inspection is and what it must cover.
Table of Contents
What is checked during a rental safety inspection?
The following things in a house are checked in a rental safety check method. The whole checklist is divided into two segments- interior and exterior elements to provide a better understanding.
Interior elements to check
- Doors and windows: These are entry paths so they need to be strong to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Walls: The walls’ condition must be checked and if required repair and painting must be done.
- Ceilings: It has to be in good condition to prevent weather effects and sudden break-down.
- Floors: Damaged floors are reasons for injuries so, they must be checked.
- Lights: Proper lighting is what the landlord must provide to the tenants.
- Electrical outlets: These are dangerous and cause fire attacks and physical damage; so, they must be examined, and if required wiring should be fixed.
- Electrical wires: Same as electrical outlets, the wires can be dangerous so check whether they are properly covered.
- Fireplace: The fireplace and the chimney must be cleared to avoid smoke or other bad issues.
- CCTV and alarm systems: If your house has any CCTV and alarm systems you must get them checked whether they are working.
- Heating and cooling systems: These are necessary things and therefore they need to be maintained.
- Oven and gas supply: Gas leakage or any problem with the oven can lead to danger so they must be examined.
- Water heater: It is a necessary thing especially in winter and cold countries so the landlord must see whether it is in proper working condition.
Apart from it, the other necessary amenities provided by the owner should be checked to avoid any damages or misunderstanding.
Exterior elements to check
1. Roof: A poor-quality roof is prone to breakdown, and water accumulation, and creates several problems for the tenants so it must be checked and repaired.
2. Main property door: Check and assure the main door of your property can provide the utmost safety.
3. Garage security: The garage door or the walls must also be durable and strong to prevent thieves.
4. Walkway or driveway: These areas need checking and regular maintenance.
5. Outside lights: Outside lights are especially needed to work at night to have a good view and prevent trespassers.
6. Front and backyard CCTV: These security systems must be working to prevent scams. Reset the passwords and the wiring if necessary.
7. Pool inspection: Pools must be safe to prevent any accident so check it timely.
8. Garden area safety: the huge bush of the garden must be trimmed as they are suspicious hidden places for thieves and pests.
Above all, if any fixing or replacement is required then they can take care of the needful job.
Benefits of rental safety checks
The benefits of having rental safety checks in proper time are listed below.
- All-over safety of the house is assured by the process.
- Rental safety checks assure security and peace of mind for tenants.
- It helps them to avoid any legal consequences if the owner has a safety check certificate when an accident happens.
- The longevity of the house is increased.
- A safe and properly maintained house can get new tenants easily.
Conclusion
A house must be a safe place for the residents whether it is owned or rented. If you don’t take timely care of it, it is obvious to get deteriorated which is not good for the tenants as well as for the owner. Also, if any disastrous situation comes, unfortunately, it might drag you to the legal authority’s place. Therefore, rental safety checks must be followed by the homeowners appropriately as per the state guidelines.
