Apartment security services can protect a rental property through a variety of active security measures. What measures should be taken as part of a security strategy should be customized to a particular rental community. Active security tactics such as having an on-site physical presence helps deter and prevent crime. With visible security measures in place, […]

Many states have general safety and security requirements that hold the landlord responsible for clean and safe housing. Under the implied warranty of habitability, the landlord is obligated to provide premises that are fit and habitable for human occupation including provisions for essential services such as electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilation, sanitary systems, trash/garbage removal, and […]

A well developed and maintained employee handbook can protect the best interests of the company. Used to communicate important company policies and procedures including the company’s legal obligations, the handbook, in clear language, sets out the company’s expectations for employees and the benefits and support the employees can expect from the company. The handbook tells […]

Rental applications are the most efficient means to gather relevant background information about a prospective tenant in order to begin the rental qualification process. Customized to a landlord’s business requirements, the rental application form is a screening document that asks questions in standardized format about an applicant’s background, such as rental history, credit history, employment, […]

Once a landlord has determined his tenants are safe, the next priority is to assess the rental property damage followed by contacting his insurance agent. When the weather emergency has ended, and authorities have declared it safe for owners and residents to return to a damaged property, a landlord should inspect the property to determine […]

While landlords in Florida must keep the rental premises safe, sanitary, and in good repair, they are not obligated by law to protect the rental property from damage or destruction from weather events such as storm surges, flooding, tropical storms, hurricanes, or heavy winds. A landlord could include a provision in his lease agreement regarding […]

Before the hurricane season arrives, a landlord should conduct a property inspection to identify repair or protective work that must be done. To hurricane proof the property, the landlord should be prepared to keep wind and water out, roof shingles secured, and any openings, cracks, or holes sealed against moisture. The property inspection should: Check […]

Being prepared with an emergency response plan for natural disasters, declared emergencies, or any other unforeseen threat or disaster can protect the safety of individuals, mitigate property damage, and prevent loss of life. An emergency response plan is a critical risk reduction measure for landlords. Improving readiness to respond and recover from disaster starts with […]

In some states the installation, maintenance and testing of smoke alarms has become the landlord’s legal responsibility per habitability standards and duty of care. Some cities and states require the use of the newer technology lithium powered smoke alarms which have non-removable power cells that last for ten years. A sealed lithium powered alarm prohibits […]

In a home fire a resident may have less than two minutes to realize a fire danger and act accordingly to escape to safety. Being prepared with a fire emergency plan before a fire occurs can help save lives and protect property. There is a greater likelihood of a home fire occurring in multi-family rental […]