Landlords need to pay attention to the health and safety laws affecting rental property. Before we talk about specific requirements, it’s important to remember that there are new laws, rules and regulations that come out every year. Many self managing landlords aren’t aware of them, or have a hard time keeping up with the changes. At Stokley Properties, we are members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), and being a part of this professional organization helps us to stay aware and prepared.
Smoke Detectors
One important health and safety law is that all rental properties must have compliant smoke detectors installed for 2015. We have smoke detectors in all our homes for the protection of both the tenants and the property owners.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide detectors are also legally required in all of your rental properties. Make sure they are in place and working properly before you have any tenants move in.
Low Flow Plumbing
There will soon be legislation that requires property owners to have low flow plumbing facilities in their rental homes. This will include toilets and shower heads and it’s a response to the drought conditions that we’ve experienced in California.
We are aware of all these things and we help our owners be proactive with their properties. This is helpful to your tenants and it keeps you in compliance with the law.
In addition to following the law, we recommend that you keep a plunger and a fire extinguisher in your rental homes for the tenants to use in the event of emergencies. These details will enable a quick response and minimize the ultimate damage that can be done.
If you have any questions about the laws you need to follow, please contact us at Stokley Properties, and we’d be happy to tell you more.