Here are 5 tips for child-proofing rental property to help property managers keep their rentals safe, according to Keepe the maintenance company.
As a property manager, there are lots of safety upgrades that you can do to attract prospective tenants. Baby/child-proofing your rental property is a simple yet effective way to not only attract families but protect your tenants from danger.
For most renters with kids looking to rent an apartment, safety is usually their topmost priority.
Thankfully, proper child-proofing upgrades often do not require a large investment.
Below are five ways you can childproof your rental property to protect your tenants’ children and prevent lawsuits.
Child-proofing rental property stairs
If you have staircases within your property, you should ensure that the railings are locked in place to prevent pulling by kids.
Install stair gates at the top and bottom of each outdoor staircase to prevent falls. You should also make use of non-slip materials around staircase areas to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
For child-proofing needs on a stairway inside a unit, consider allowing a tenant with very young children to install a baby gate (at their own expense) at the top of stairwells.
Window Locks
A simple slip-and-fall accident can have a severe effect on a child. It is advisable that you ensure that your windows are made from strong materials.
Install secure window locks and latches on all windows within the property and units.
In states like New York, window guards must be installed in a building with 3 or more apartments if a child under 10 is a resident. Child-proofing your property windows are important for preventing children from opening and tumbling out the window.
Pools
If your property has a pool in the garden, bear in mind that a baby can drown in just 2 inches of water. Fence pools off or cover them securely. Check your local jurisdictions’ rules on this and size of fence required.
Depending on the number of kids in your rental, you should consider installing a pool cover that prevents kids from falling in.
Most importantly, place warning signs around the pool area. A simple “Children under age five must be accompanied by an adult” sign will save you from lawsuits and liability.
In-Unit Hazard Prevention
Every year, thousands of children are hospitalized for injuries sustained at home. As a property manager, one of your goals is to make sure that your property units are safe for living.
For electrical appliances, make sure you keep all extension cables out of reach to avoid strangulation.
Provide plug guards to any sockets within reach to prevent children from putting their fingers in. Also, protect all cabinets that may be used to store harmful substances (such as bleach and cleaners) with magnetic locks or adhesive strips.
Alarms and Detectors
Make sure that all the alarms and detectors are properly installed and functional.
It is important that you regularly inspect your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Even if there hasn’t been any incident, this simple step can save your tenants’ lives and save your property from unexpected danger.
In conclusion
Many property managers think that child-proofing would be a costly endeavor, and end up paying huge fines or facing liability lawsuits.
When renting your property to a family with kids, you need to take multiple precautions and safety investments. It is important to sit down with your renters and discuss their opinions about child-proofing.
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About Keepe:
Keepe is an on-demand maintenance solution for property managers and independent landlords. The company makes a network of hundreds of independent contractors and handymen available for maintenance projects at rental properties.
Keepe is available in the Greater Seattle area, Greater Phoenix area, San Francisco Bay area, Portland, San Diego and is coming soon to an area near you. Learn more about Keepe at https://www.keepe.com.
