The Common Safety Hazard Risks Found In Rental Properties And How To Deal With Them
When you rent a property for accommodation, you are entitled to live in a safe, hazard-free environment. Your landlord should be transparent about all the risks that might cause you injury or illness. If this is your first time renting an apartment, you might need to be aware of certain safety hazard risks you could experience. Let’s take a look at the most common problems found in rental properties and how to deal with them.
Electrical Hazards
No matter where you live, you will regularly need to use electrical appliances to complete your daily chores. So, it’s important to ensure the electrical system in your rented property is safe to use. The landlord needs to make sure that all electrical panels, wiring, fuse box, power sockets, and other electrical units are working without any safety risks. After all, it’s their responsibility to make sure that the tenant feels safe in the place for which the landlord is receiving rent.
How to Deal with the Issue
As a tenant, if you face any electrical issues, your first step should be to cut the power supply as soon as possible. If the problem is due to an appliance, plug it out of the socket safely. You should also remove the fuse from the fuse box to eliminate the risk of a short circuit. If the electrical issue started a fire, call the fire department immediately. Landlords are responsible for checking all the electrical systems before renting a property to a new tenant.
Assault In Apartment Building
Living in a rental in an apartment building means that there will be other people present on the property. You might not always be welcomed by the other tenants or the landlord, so you might have to deal with their rudeness. Other times, the situation can be worse, and you may be attacked physically by a rowdy neighbor or even a total stranger! In addition to these common hazards, it's important for both landlords and tenants to be aware of the potential for Airbnb rental accidents, especially when properties are frequently rented out to different guests.
How to Deal with the Issue
To avoid such a scenario in the first place, make sure you have a clear agreement with your landlord that ensures a safe environment for you and your family. If you live in Georgia and have suffered an injury in an assault in an apartment complex, you shouldn’t dismiss it as a minor incident. The landlord is responsible for ensuring the safety of all tenants, and if you have been assaulted due to their negligence, they can be held accountable. Hire a good personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim against the landlord or tenant so you can get compensation for the physical and mental damages you suffered. If your landlord doesn’t take action to make the property safe, you can also contact a local tenants' rights organization for support and guidance. Hire a good lawyer to help you file a claim against the landlord or tenant so you can get compensation for the physical and mental damages you suffered.
Gas Leaks
Frequent gas safety checks are essential when living on any kind of property. Leaking gas can be hazardous for anyone who inhales it. Moreover, gas used in appliances is usually flammable, which can cause a massive explosion that might destroy your place. For more than one reason, gas leaks gas, especially at night, can pose a fatal risk.
How to Deal with the Issue
Gases often give a unique odor that tenants should recognize instantly. Moreover, when inhaled, gas can cause dizziness, headaches, and other medical conditions. These signs should not be ignored, and the appliance using gas should be immediately shut down. Opening all the doors and windows can also help ventilate the space and get rid of the leaked gas. Let the landlord know of the situation so that they can take the necessary action to tackle the problem.
Mold
Damp and mold are some of the most common problems that could pose a health risk to the people living in the place. This usually happens because of unhygienic living conditions or severe water damage. As a new tenant, you’ll want the place to be safe and healthy to live in. That’s why landlords must check the place properly to ensure that they are renting a safe apartment. If ignored, mold can trigger respiratory issues.
How to Deal with the Issue
If you find mold in your new rental, make sure to inform the landlord immediately so they can call professionals to fix it. Don’t touch the mold or let any of your family members do it either, as it is very bad for your health. If your landlord ignores fixing the mold issue, you may have to take legal action against them because you are paying to live in a safe environment.
Renting a property is the most convenient solution for those who cannot afford to buy their own just yet. Make sure you choose a safe and comfortable apartment where you can feel at home by conducting all the necessary safety inspections. Your landlord should at least provide you with basic amenities and a safe space that doesn’t put your health or life at risk. Now that you know how to spot and deal with the common safety hazards found in rental properties, you should be able to ensure a decent quality of life at your apartment.
