As a landlord, I have quite a few responsibilities.
Successfully managing my properties means keeping up with maintenance, investing in proactive measures and making sure tenants are adhering to the rules. I’ve found that despite being very conscientious about upkeep, unexpected repairs are impossible to avoid completely. To reduce the risk of safety hazards and expensive damages, I have made every effort to be prepared. I’ve installed smoke detectors in all of the rental units. I’ve located them in bedrooms, hallways and every level of the property. Smoke detectors provide early warnings that can help to save lives and protect the property. The quicker the tenants are alerted to smoke or fire, the better opportunity they have to get to safety. However, a smoke detector is only helpful when it’s operational. I’ve learned that my tenants aren’t reliable when it comes to replacing batteries. When there are beeping or chirping noises indicating that batteries are running low, I’ve had renters place the smoke detectors in the freezer. I now make a regular habit of testing batteries in the apartments every month. Water leaks are another big problem. Roof damage, failed weather stirpping, poorly fitted pimples, broken appliances and issues with faucets can lead to extensive water waste and damage. I’ve also found that renters aren’t often conscientious about fully shutting off faucets. They don’t seem to care that a single drip can add to up to thousands of gallons of water per year. I make it a point to replace old weather stripping around doors and windows every year. I check the rental property for signs of water damage regularly. I’ve also installed water sensors that detect leaks early.