The term “safety first” is maybe an overused term, but it’s also accurate, and something that landlords in Los Angeles should always be thinking about. Ensuring the safety and well-being of your residents is not only your legal responsibility but also an important part of maintaining a good reputation and increasing tenant satisfaction and retention.
Los Angeles, just by being where it is, offers some additional risks to your property and your tenants, most notably earthquakes and fires.
How can you keep your investment safe? We have some strategies that may help.
Earthquake Preparedness
Los Angeles is located near several fault lines, making earthquake preparedness a top priority. As a rental property owner, you have a responsibility to ensure that your home is earthquake-ready. Here’s where we recommend you get started:
- Foundation and Structural Integrity. Have a structural engineer assess the building to ensure the foundation is solid and compliant with the latest seismic codes.
- Retrofitting. Older buildings, particularly those built before 1978, may need retrofitting to minimize earthquake damage. This may include bolting the structure to its foundation or reinforcing the walls.
- Tenant Education. Provide tenants with information on earthquake safety, and make sure that you communicate an emergency plan and all evacuation routes.
By addressing earthquake risks, you not only protect your tenants but also minimize potential damage to your property. If you don’t have earthquake insurance, consider buying it. Your property insurance will cover a fire that begins from an earthquake, for example, but the earthquake damage itself won’t be covered.
Protecting Properties and Tenants Against Fire Threats
Fire safety is a crucial aspect of any rental property. LA’s warm, dry climate can increase the risk of fires, making it essential for landlords to prioritize fire prevention and preparedness. Start with good smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that they are installed in every property and tested regularly. In Los Angeles, smoke detectors are required by law in all rental units.
We think that all rental properties should also have accessible, functional fire extinguishers in kitchens and common areas. Educate tenants on how to use them in case of a fire emergency.
If you’re renting out a multifamily property or an apartment building, ensure that hallways, stairwells, and exits are unobstructed and clearly marked. Regularly inspect fire escapes to make sure they are in good working condition and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Fire prevention and preparedness will not only safeguard your tenants but will also protect your property and profitability.
Security Measures in LA Rental Homes
Security is a significant concern for tenants in Los Angeles, especially in densely populated areas or neighborhoods with higher crime rates. As a rental property owner, you’ll want to take proactive steps to protect your tenants from intruders or break-ins.
- Lighting. Adequate lighting around entrances, parking areas, and common areas helps deter criminal activity. Install motion-sensor lights in poorly lit areas and ensure all outdoor lighting is functioning.
- Secure Entrances. Make sure that all doors and windows are secure with high-quality locks. Consider adding deadbolts and peepholes for extra security.
- Security Cameras. Installing security cameras in common areas (without violating tenant privacy) can help deter crime and provide evidence in case of incidents. Ensure tenants are aware of the cameras and their purpose. In single-family rentals, video doorbells are especially popular.
By offering robust security features, you not only enhance the safety of your tenants but also create an appealing rental property that attracts long-term renters.
Lighting and Visibility in Parking Areas
Parking areas can be a safety issue, particularly at night. Make sure your parking areas are well-lit, clean, and clearly marked. Install motion-sensor lights or ensure that parking lot lights are working properly to illuminate the area after dark. Signage helps, too, especially in an apartment building. Clearly mark parking spaces, entrances, and exits to help tenants navigate the area safely, and ensure there is enough space for parking and maneuvering vehicles.
Pest Control
Los Angeles’s warm climate makes it an ideal environment for pests like rodents, termites, and insects. As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to keep the property pest-free. Here are some of the precautions we take to ensure the properties we manage are safe from these critters.
- Regular Inspections. Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments to identify and address any pest problems early. We recommend that owners set up service contracts with pest control companies so that inspections and treatments are automatic.
- Sealing Entry Points. Ensure that doors, windows, and other potential entry points are sealed to prevent pests from entering the building. Dark, damp areas where there are holes can be considered an invitation.
- Proper Waste Disposal. Make sure that waste disposal areas are clean and well-maintained to discourage pests from lingering around the property.
By committing to a serious approach to pest control, property owners in LA can prevent damage to the rental home and ensure that tenants are comfortable in their living space.
Tenant Communication is Part of Safety
Open communication is a key component of maintaining a safe environment. Regularly inform your tenants about safety protocols, emergency procedures, and maintenance updates. Provide a way for tenants to report safety concerns or potential hazards, and respond promptly to any issues. Make sure they know what your emergency plan is for things like earthquakes and fires and always encourage them to be mindful of their surroundings and the property.
We want all of our tenants to feel safe and we want the owners we work with to feel secure as well. Safety should always come first when it comes to your rental properties in Los Angeles. From earthquake preparedness to fire safety, security measures, and regular maintenance, these essential safety practices will help you protect both your tenants and your investment.
We’ve found that owners who address safety concerns proactively will have a much easier time leasing, managing, and maintaining their investment properties. Not only do you fulfill your legal obligations and the responsibilities listed in your lease agreement, but you also build a reputation as a responsible and empathetic property owner.
Ready to make your LA rental a little bit safer? We’re here to help. Contact your Los Angeles property management partner at Earnest Homes.
