The upcoming holiday season is supposed to be one filled with joy, peace and quality time spent with those we love. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when hazards are more prevalent, placing your rental properties at a greater risk of damage and opening you up to the chance of costly insurance claims. So, as you begin preparing your own home and office for the coming weeks, here are a few tips to help prepare your properties as well.
Cooking dangers
Who doesn’t love a delicious holiday meal complete with all the fixings? Cooking is a big part of holiday celebrations, but it’s also the leading cause of residential fires. Send out a friendly reminder in advance of the festivities advising your tenants of the dangers and providing them with safe cooking tips.
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Decoration hazards
No holiday scene is complete without a beautiful menorah or a brightly lit Christmas tree, but without the proper precautions, these symbols of tranquility can become dangerous fire hazards. Remind your tenants to keep lit candles safely away from flammable materials, like curtains, and to avoid leaving Christmas lights on when they are asleep or not at home
Weather woes
What a beautiful sight that freshly fallen snow is on the grass and trees. On common areas, like walkways and stairs, however, the white stuff can spell disaster. Make sure your properties are always kept up by shoveling, plowing and using adequate ice melting materials where tenants and their guests will be walking. If you aren’t able to stay on top of this yourself, designate someone else.
Uninvited guests
For those tenants that choose to celebrate the holidays away from home, make sure they take appropriate precautions prior to leaving town. Would-be thieves will be out in droves looking for empty homes to rob, and they won’t care how much of your property they damage in the process. Install quality lighting around the property and suggest timers for indoor lights to give the appearance that someone is home.
Related Post: Damage Proofing Your Rental Properties
Too much cheer
The holidays are a time when people tend to enjoy a few more drinks than they normally would. Gently remind your tenants (and their guests) to drink responsibly. This will help protect not just your property, but more importantly, their lives during this joyful season.
You want the coming weeks to be a safe time for your tenants as well as your properties. These tips will improve the chances of a holiday season that is happy, healthy and free from worry.
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Get your free copy of The Property Manager’s Guide to Proactive Management — and make the time necessary to plan for an extraordinary future.
