Fire prevention in rental properties

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

As a property manager or landlord, keeping your tenants and property safe from fire is one of the most important responsibilities you have. Not only do property fires cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, they also endanger lives. To limit your risk of a rental property fire and having the need to turn to a specialist to remedy your Fire Damage in Nashville, take these fire prevention tips to heart.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms

Many states and cities require that rental units include functioning smoke detectors. Typically, the landlord is responsible for testing the smoke detector at the start of the tenancy (in the tenant’s presence) and demonstrating that they are in good working order. Tenants are then usually responsible for recognizing the signs of a failing detector (for example, a beeping noise), testing the devices periodically on their own, and replacing batteries, as necessary.

Before turning over the property to a tenant to rent, make sure to walk through with them what proper maintenance of smoke detectors should entail:

• Test units monthly.
• Install new batteries immediately when the low-battery warning alarm sounds or at least once a year.
• Clean smoke detectors regularly by vacuuming them with a brush attachment.
• Let the landlord know when the smoke detector is 10 years old so that it can be replaced.

Fire Escape Plan

The most important part of creating and implementing a fire escape plan is that you include your tenants. Since they are the ones living on your rental property, they are the ones who will be there should a fire occur. When you do your first walk through with your tenants, take that time to point out the fire escape routes.

Once you identify all of the potential fire hazards, create and post rules about microwave and stove safety. Post no-smoking signs where applicable or consider making your property smoke-free. Educate tenants on fire safety rules through emails, meetings, and in signage throughout your rental property. Lastly, keep an emergency safety kit stocked with the proper supplies for your tenants. This may include burn gel, gauze, scissors, band aids, and both aspirin and non-aspirin products.

When Fire Prevention Isn’t Enough

Fires can happen at any time for any reason. If your property is older and has faulty wiring, it could short circuit and cause a fire that engulfs your property. Appliance fires can also occur at a moment’s notice. This is why it’s important to call SERVPRO East Nashville, Maddison, Goodlettsville at (615) 488-8670 for a consultation following any rental property fire. Our team is equipped with a Master Fire restorer, certified through the IICRC, who will ensure that your fire damage cleanup and restoration runs smoothly.