Maryland Rental Property Safety Checklist
Our Maryland Rental property safety checklist will help you keep your resident and your property safe! As landlords and property managers, people depend on us to ensure the safety of the properties that we rent to them. Here we will cover some basics of what to look for.
The following is meant to be a guide. Your specific area in Maryland may have more stringent laws so it is always good to consult with a real estate management professional!
Rental Property Saftey Checklist:
- Structural elements must be secure & intact
- Known toxins must be managed appropriately
- Water heaters & heating systems must work appropriately
- Electrical, plumbing, heating ventilating & air conditioning systems must be operating safely
- The threat of foreseeable criminal intrusions reduced
- Infestations of rodents and other vermin exterminated Common areas (hallways, stairways, entryways) must be clean and in a safe condition.
Interior safety checklist:
Doors: Doors inside & outside need to close/open properly. Otherwise, you risk an intrusion or a fire hazard.
Lights: Lights should switch on & off smoothly. A delayed response could be a clue to faulty wiring which can spark a fire.
Outlets: Wall outlets should work appropriately & cover panels will be secure. Black, scorched, or dangling wires are also hints to bad wiring.
Ceilings: Cracks or sags in the ceiling can indicate a water leak or roof damage to address before it causes issues or collapses.
Walls: Check the base of walls & look for cracks or holes that could let vermin in the walls. Examine for cracks & water stains.
Fireplace: Sweep the chimney to remove any debris that has built up during the warm weather hiatus. Clogged chimneys run the risk of igniting a chimney fire or poses ventilation risks.
Floors: Sloping floors can indicate structural damage/foundation problems & should be repaired or replaced ASAP. Stains & soft spots in the flooring can also reveal rot or water damage.
Pro Tip: Safety inspections should be performed at least once per year.
Exterior Safety checks:
Walkways & Stairwells: Make sure all railings are secure and antislip or caution guards are in place. Walkways and common areas should also be well lit and free of obstacles or debris.
Lights: Lights should switch on & off smoothly. A delayed response could be a clue to faulty wiring which can spark a fire.
Landscape: Check the base of walls & look for cracks or holes that could let vermin in the walls. Examine for cracks & water stains.
Windows: Wall outlets should work appropriately & cover panels will be secure. Black, scorched, or dangling wires are also hints to bad wiring.
Roof inspection: Cracks or sags in the ceiling could indicate a water leak or roof damage that must be addressed before it causes more issues or collapses on a tenant.
Appliance Safety Checklist:
Smoke & C02 Alarms: During any routine maintenance, ensure smoke & CO alarms are working properly. Tenants can forget to change batteries, or remove them altogether.
Refrigerator: Make sure the refrigerator maintains an appropriate temperature to keep food safely stored.
HVAC System: Heating systems should be inspected, serviced & cleaned at least once a year. Remind tenants to change air filters regularly & provide extra filters to make sure it gets done.
Water Heater: Ensure the temperature is set below 120° F to prevent scalding. Test safety relief valve once a year to ensure proper operation & flush the system to remove sediment that causes system failure.
Washer/Dryer: Lint & debris can build up in dryer vents causing damage or fires. While the dryer is running, check that the exhaust is coming out. Clear blockages by vacuuming the hose or calling a professional.
Water Pressure: Check water supply & pressure on all sinks and shower, Does water flow properly? Flush the toilet to make sure it drains and refills properly without leaking.
Stove/Oven: Make sure each electric heating element works properly or check that gas lines are clear & burners ignite appropriately for gas stoves.
Extras: Check any other supplied kitchen appliance to make sure they are functioning (dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc.)
Interested in learning how a professional Baltimore area property management company handles the safety of your rental property? Contact HomeWorks Property Management today!
Maryland Rental Property Safety Checklist infographic