Property owners have the responsibility to maintain their premises, keeping them safe and secure for tenants. Repairing lighting, furnaces, broken windows, leaking pipes, floors and stairs are among the tasks that owners/landlords must perform on the homes and apartment complexes they own.
If they fail to do so, injuries from assaults, slip and falls, burns, lacerations and carbon monoxide poisoning are possible for the tenants and their guests. A number of common hazards exist at residential rental properties.
Gas leaks, poor lighting and mold
Many hazards exist in any home. Residential rental properties are among them and draw special attention, especially when their owners and landlords neglect their duties Here are some common hazards found at residential rental properties:
- Leaking pipes: Water damage may lead to collapsed ceilings, walls and floors that may fall atop residents.
- Gas leaks: These may lead to fire in the dwelling as well as gas poisoning for residents.
- Uneven surfaces: This list includes defective sidewalks, walkways and parking lots along with torn carpets and damaged floorboards.
- Stairs in disrepair and missing handrails: Damaged and missing stairs and handrails may cause a fall leading to head injuries, back injuries and fractures.
- Poor lighting: Dim lighting in hallways, stairs and common areas provide the right environment for criminals waiting to assault and rob unsuspecting victims.
- Mold: Not only is mold unsightly, but it also may lead to respiratory problems.
- Snow, ice and debris on sidewalks: Slip and fall injuries are possible due to unshoveled walkways, driveways and parking lots. Debris also may prove be a tripping hazard.
These are just some of the hazards faced by tenants. You deserve to live in a safe and secure place.
Alert and advocate
Be alert to any of these potential hazards. When problems surface, tenants should alert property owners and landlords. Then again, maybe the property owners and landlords consistently ignored these complaints, neglecting to protect their tenants. Then you as a tenant must advocate for yourself.