Owning a rental property is an ongoing responsibility, and it can feel like a game of whack-a-mole. Put out one fire, and another mini emergency pops up. So it can be hard to keep up with the repairs your unit might need, especially if they’re not obvious or you can’t see them at all. That’s why we put together a short list of common housing code violations and how to avoid them.
Inadequate Smoke Alarms
Make sure you install them right the first time, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble. There are specific locations they need to be throughout the home and with specific measurements. They should be interconnected, in good repair, with working batteries. Test them at regular intervals—carbon monoxide detectors, too.
Improper Bathroom Ventilation
Is the exhaust fan in working order? Good. Does it vent into the attic? Bad. Ensure the exhaust is exiting to the outside, or moisture in the attic can rot the roof and lead to mold and mildew.
Sub-Par Stairway Handrails
Staircases are the source of endless at-home accidents, so up-to-code handrails are not optional. Every staircase needs one, no matter how brief. And there are guidelines for optimal installation; for instance, the end of the rail should turn into the wall so as not to catch arms and sleeves.
Faulty Electrical Wiring
When this goes wrong, the consequences can be deadly. Have your electrician check for:
- Incorrect circuit size.
- Spliced wires that aren’t inside an approved, visible junction box.
- Missing GFCIs. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are a requirement where water could be present.
How To Avoid Violations
- Educate yourself. Trust us: the longer you’re a landlord, the more you’ll learn—whether you want to or not.
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance.
- Open your eyes. Think like a building inspector, and look at your property with fresh eyes.
- Listen to your tenants. When they hear strange noises, notice a leak, or see sparks, take it seriously.
- Talk to your handyman. After every repair, ask them to look around for any violations and tell you about where they might be.
- Consult your management company. At R. Russell Properties, we’ve overseen thousands of rentals and know what violations to look for. We’ve been in property management in Apopka, Florida, and the surrounding areas for decades. Extreme weather can do unseen damage, and humidity here is on another level.
Just ask us about common housing code violations and how to avoid them. At R. Russell Properties, we can take care of violations before they happen with reputable professionals we’ve worked with for years. Contact us for more information about the perks you’ll get with a premier management company.
