Making sure your rental property is save from carbon monoxide poisoning is something that many landlords neglect. There are stories about landlords who provide space heaters for tenants who for one reason or another have had their electricity turned off, or who have not yet had it turned on, only to find out someone has died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Such kindly landlords may find themselves up on charges for their good will. Simply making sure that all apartments have been equipped with carbon monoxide detectors will in most cases relieve them of the legal burden of their acts. It is also a good idea to periodically remind tenants to check the batteries in their carbon monoxide detectors when they check their smoke detectors.
Monthly Archives: December 2011
Criminal Activity on Your Property
When it comes to criminal activity in your building, liability is very similar to iced sidewalks or broken elevators: you are responsible for keeping your property safe. If you find out you building is vulnerable to assailants, you must take action, because awards to plaintiffs when landlords do not secure their property can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you find that crime in on the upswing in your neighborhood, talk to the police and ask them what measures you can take. You can also get involved–and get your tenants involved–in crime watch programs. If you find out a tenant is involved with criminal activity, take immediate legal steps put a stop to it by talking to a lawyer.