Being a property manager requires a good deal of responsibility. Not only do you have to manage tenants, you also need to make sure they are safe while using your property. If you don’t, the consequences can be severe. With that in mind, below is a safety checklist that can allow you to protect your tenants from harm.

1. Alarms

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors absolutely need to be installed and maintained throughout your properties. Without, a smoke detector, tenants will not be able to evacuate in time during a fire. Carbon monoxide is completely odorless and invisible and can kill if it’s not detected. Install alarms and perform routine check-ups to make sure they are operating correctly and have working batteries.

2. The Roof

Make sure to check the roof multiple times a year. Look to see if any shingles are loose or missing. If there are, residential roof repair with the help of professional roof repair services may be needed because this can have significant consequences for the entire structure. A leaky roof can cause the destruction of insulation, the building’s electrical system, drywall and more.

3. Tenant Screening

For professionals in the property management industry, one of the basic steps of insuring the safety of tenants is proper tenant screening. Tenants who are sex offenders or criminals of course pose a significant risk to other tenants living on your properties. Make sure to perform background checks including a tenant’s criminal history, incarceration history and possible inclusion in sex offender registries.

4. Stairways and Walkways

Slip and falls are another significant safety hazard a property manager should make sure to take steps to prevent. Check all your stairways on a regular basis. Make sure there is nothing on the steps that could cause someone to trip and insure that the railing is secure. Walkways should also be checked for hazards. In the winter, all walkways must be salted to prevent ice from forming.

5. Wiring

Another significant risk is the possible failure of your electrical system. If wires become damaged or frayed, they can spark a fire. Hire residential electric contractors to check and/or repair the wiring on a routine basis. If lights don’t switch on smoothly, it could be an indication of faulty wiring that needs to be repaired or replaced.

A property manager is a position that requires a lot of responsibility. The law requires that a property manager insure that his or her tenants have a safe place to live in while paying rent. Never become lackadaisical about checking for safety hazards. Make it part of your routine.

About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball. The information in this article is credited to Rentec Direct.