Landlords and property managers have a special interest in ensuring that their property is safe from criminal acts. When landlords protect their property from thief’s, assailants and other criminals, they create a positive safe environment increasing the desirability of their rental units. When landlords neglect the security of their rental properties, the properties become less desirable and also attracts other criminal activity.
According to Findlaw.com, in most states landlords have a responsibility to protect tenants from thieves, assailants and criminal acts. In fact, Findlaw.com reports that landlords are being forced to pay millions of dollars to tenants when crimes are committed against the tenants on their rental property.
Nolo.com list several measures that a landlord can take it in order to limit their liability if crimes are committed on their property against tenants by strangers.
Landlords need to make sure to follow all states and local security laws including requirements for deadbolt locks, lighting, and window locks.
Landlords need to educate their tenants about crime issues in the area and describe what measures should be taken as well as potential limitations of these recommendations
Landlords need to develop and implement a security system with the advice of local police, insurance companies and private security that provides reasonable protection based on the crime situation in the neighborhood.
Landlords need to conduct regular inspections to spot and fix any security lapses within their property
Landlords need to always handle and address tenant complaints about dangerous situations, lapses in security and suspicious activity within a reasonable timeframe
Nolo.com also stresses the importance of checking a property manager’s background as they interact with all the tenants and have master keys. Failing to take the appropriate steps to vet employees could open up a landlord to additional liability.
It may not be enough to simply address a tenant’s complaint and or fix a security issues. Landlords and property managers have to ensure that they track how they address these issues and when they fixed the security concerns. With exclusive RISSOFT Property Management System features landlords can track repairs and invoices made to their property or units. Having these RISSOFT software for property management features can save you time and money in the future if you are faced with a lawsuit even though you have taken the proper legal steps to protect your tenants.
This post is provided by RISSOFT Residential and Commercial Property Management Software, specializing in innovative and cutting-edge property management software for all 50 states. Request a demo or contact us today to receive more information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.
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