Landlords have a legal and moral responsibility to provide safe and habitable living spaces for their tenants. To protect tenants, landlords should take the following steps:
Comply with all building and housing codes: such as b721 and sb326: Make sure that the property meets all local and state building and housing codes, including those related to safety and accessibility.
Regularly inspect and maintain the property: Regularly inspect the property and make any necessary repairs or maintenance to ensure that it is safe and in good condition. This includes checking for potential hazards such as mold, pests, and fire hazards.
Provide proper lighting and security: Make sure that the property has adequate lighting and security measures in place to ensure the safety of tenants.
Provide emergency contact information: Provide tenants with emergency contact information, including the landlord's contact information and the contact information for emergency services such as the fire department and police.
Educate tenants about safety measures: Provide tenants with information about fire safety, emergency evacuation procedures, and other safety measures.
Respond promptly to tenant complaints: Respond promptly to tenant complaints about safety hazards or other issues and take appropriate action to address them.
Keep the balcony or deck safe: Regularly inspect and maintain balconies and decks to ensure they are safe for tenants to use.
By taking these steps, landlords can help protect tenants from potential hazards and provide them with safe and comfortable living spaces.