It’s as important for you, the landlord, as it is for the tenant to keep your rental home safe, and in tip-top condition. Taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s security and well being can help protect you from legal issues, and may even help ensure the value of your investment.
Consider the following tips when renting out your northern VA home.
- Ensure that the house/building number can be seen clearly from the street. In the event of an emergency, first responders will be able to quickly locate your property to provide assistance. Clear any and all trees or obstructions that may cover the number, and consider painting reflective numbers on the pavement so they are easy to see from the street.
- Make sure your property is fully equipped with the adequate number of fire alarms and/or smoke detectors. Minimum requirements from the US Fire Administration mandate that all sleeping rooms and commonly used hallways on each floor of a building have smoke detectors or alarms.
- Test, and inspect fire alarm systems regularly. This process can include cleaning smoke detectors, replacing batteries, checking fire extinguishers, and conducting fire drills if you have multiple tenants.
- Post and/or provide tenants with a detailed evacuation plan in the event of fire. It’s also advisable to make yourself aware of any tenants who might need special assistance and offer support as needed.
- Ensure proper storage of potentially hazardous chemicals, including cleaning products and pesticides. Pool chemicals (e.g., chlorine and muriatic acid) should be stored in separate containers in a well-ventilated area; gasoline, only in state- and local-approved containers, at a volume of no more than five gallons per; and other such flammable or combustible liquids, away from heat or open flame.
- Maintain your rental property’s HVAC unit. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units require regular service to ensure proper operation and safety. Hire northern Virginia’s go-to HVAC servicer — My Plumber Heating & Cooling — for annual inspection and maintenance.
- Utilize a fair and thorough screening process. 35% of the U.S. rents its home. That’s a lot of prospective renters. When prospective tenants apply to inhabit your rental property, make them aware that they must pass a background check, as well as a credit check. Look into their rental history, and call references. Be proactive, and you’ll avoid problem situations.
- Meet potential renters in public before showing them the rental property. Stranger danger is real. Know who you’re meeting before you allow them into your home.
- Collect rent checks through a post office box or via electronic transfer. Don’t share your home address with your tenant. This kind of anonymity will not only protect your safety, but also your privacy.
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