Safety and security are at the top of the list of priorities for tenants looking to find the right rental home. Tenants don’t want to have to worry about their safety on a daily basis. As a property owner, this is an essential aspect that you must take into account when preparing your property for rent.
How do you know what will make your tenants comfortable? Well, step into their shoes; think of what would make you feel safe and secure in your home, and what would make you feel uneasy. In general, people want to know the home is safe from intruders and toxic chemicals, and provides privacy.
As a rental property owner you want to be sure your home is secure and your renters are safe, but it’s essential that you don’t overstep the boundaries. There are plenty of ways to ensure your property is safe without infringing on your renter’s privacy.
Should You Rekey Your Orlando Rental Home?
If you are moving out of your home or in between tenants, it is essential to rekey your home and take proper safety precautions. The process of rekeying your home is fairly simple. With the help of a locksmith, the pins in your lock can be changed within as little as 15 minutes. Rekeying the lock is effective, more cost friendly, and less time consuming than changing the whole lock or doorknob.
In between renters, do not avoid rekeying your home. Not only does this make your property unattractive to renters, but it is highly unsafe. When you don’t rekey your home, previous tenants may still have access to the property. Even if you don’t think a past renter has mal intent, this can put your property and your current tenants in danger, and can cause a lot of trouble for all parties involved.
When working with an Orlando property manager, each company will have different procedures regarding rekeying the locks. Some property managers will consider this a landlord expense and responsibility, and others may consider it a provided service. No matter the property manager’s procedure, rekeying will always be required before a new tenant can move in.
Should I Install Home Security Cameras in my Orlando Rental Property?
You may be considering home security cameras at your rental properties thinking it will keep your property safe. However, as experienced property managers, we do not recommend doing so. We understand the sense of security cameras like Ring Doorbells or outdoor home cameras provide, however, they may cause more trouble than good for your rental property.
Your tenants do not want to be watched or feel like they are being watched by you. Although some people may say security cameras will make tenants feel safe, having access to these cameras may actually make your tenants feel unsafe. The comfortability level between a property owner and their tenants will vary in each individual situation but in general, we recommend avoiding this issue. Orlando property managers may advise or require you to remove any security cameras or cancel your subscription to a home security system to avoid conflict with tenants.
We do, however, advise you to allow your tenants to install a ring doorbell camera of their own if they do so desire. This way, your tenants will feel their home and privacy are protected.
Testing for Lead-Based Paint
According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Before living in, or renting out your home, it is important to test for lead paint on your painted surfaces. Lead exposure can be harmful and in some cases life-threatening to someone exposed over a period of time. In most cases, an individual will not show clear signs of lead poisoning while still being affected by it. However, others may experience developmental delays, abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms. Although it does not usually have an immediate effect, it is still essential to take action so anyone living in the home is not exposed and harmed.
How to Test?
If your paint is in good condition or you are not planning on renovating, testing for lead paint can be quick and easy; painted surfaces in good condition pose less of a threat. Lead testing kits can be purchased at a hardware store or ordered online for as low at $9.00. The tester will simply change colors if it rubbed against a surface containing lead.
However, if your painted surfaces have deteriorated or you are planning to renovate your home, it is recommended to hire a professional to inspect your property. Deterioration and renovation pose a greater risk of exposing you to lead-based paint, therefore having a professional come in and inspect your home will help you determine what precautionary measures can be taken.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
As a landlord, you are required to provide all known knowledge and information about lead-based paint in your property. Even if there is no sign of lead-based paint, landlords are still required to provide the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form. This document will contain information about lead-based paint for your property, as well as general information regarding lead-based paint. This document must be signed by all parties involved including landlords, agents, and tenants.
Radon Testing for your Orlando Rental Home
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can come from soil, rocks, and water, and enter your home through cracks and holes. High exposure to radon can have extremely harmful effects and is the second most common cause of lung cancer. Radon is odorless and colorless, making it hard to detect without testing for it.
That being said, it is essential to prevent and reduce high radon levels in your home. If you have never tested for radon or you are unsure of the levels of radon in your home, we recommend testing your home’s levels before renting it out. In addition, it is recommended to test the radon levels before and after renovations.
Since you can’t see, smell, or feel a presence of radon in your home, you won’t know it’s there. To avoid negatively affecting your health and your tenants health, take action to test for radon levels so tenants are not unknowingly harmed. It is better to take preventative measures to avoid the harmful effects radon gas can have than to make assumptions regarding your home’s radon levels. If high levels are detected, a professional will provide you with a solution that may include installing a radon reduction system in your property. To prevent radon, you can seal any cracks and holes to seal any entry-way for the gas.
Post Emergency Numbers For Your Tenants
A helpful gesture you can do as a property owner is providing your tenants with emergency numbers. If your tenants are new to the area or new to living on their own, they may not be familiar with the emergency numbers for the area. You can post the numbers on the refrigerator for easy access.
Numbers you can include:
- Local police department
- Local fire department
- Local hospital or EMS
- Poison Control
This small gesture may go a long way in case of an emergency.
Orlando Rental Property Management Summary
As a property owner/landlord, you have an ethical responsibility to provide tenants with a safe home. It is important to do necessary testing for chemicals if you are unsure of their presence in your home. Lying about the knowledge of chemicals like lead-based paint is a violation of the lead-based paint disclosure and can pose extremely dangerous risks.
Although you do not have an influence on external factors such as crime rate or naturally occurring elements, it is important to take any possible measures that can prevent harm. Rekeying your home in between tenants is one of the simple but effective ways to provide your tenants safety and security in the home.
As a professional Orlando property management company, we have over 15 years of experience working with properties, landlords, and tenants all throughout the Central Florida area. If you are a property owner looking for guidance on how to make your property safe for tenants, look no further. At The Listing Real Estate Management, we treat your property as if it were our own, offering the best assistance and expert opinions possible. Contact us today for more information regarding Orlando property management services and to begin the journey of a profitable and enjoyable renting experience!Â
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