Owning an apartment or business complex comes with many responsibilities—and that includes taking steps to prevent injuries or accidents on your property. But how do you go about anticipating problems that haven’t happened yet? The property management guide below looks at some common liabilities those in similar situations have faced and what you can do to avoid them.

What Are Some Common Landlord Liabilities?

1. Injuries 

Most of the time, renters are responsible for injuries that occur in their unit. This is why they have renters or liability insurance. However, the landlord may be held responsible if the tenant proves that the injury occurred due to negligence. For example, if you fail to repair a dangerous set of stairs in your building and someone falls, you may be held liable. Similarly, if there is a problem with the diving board at the apartment pool, you may face a penalty. Therefore, make sure to prioritize repairs once issues are brought to your attention and have preventive maintenance performed according to a set schedule.

2. Crime

Whether you are liable for criminal activity depends on the nature of the offense and the measures you took to prevent it. For example, if you do not provide windows that securely lock, a court may find you responsible for a break-in. To avoid these risks, invest in basic security—such as lights, cameras, and locks. 

3. Animals

While the laws vary by state, some landlords may be held liable for animals and pests—for example, if they failed to handle an infestation. In some circumstances, they might also be blamed for the actions of aggressive dogs on their property. This is why many leasing contracts assign the tenant some responsibility for alerting property management to any bed bugs or insects they find. It is also why many apartment complexes don’t allow pets—or, if they do, they put weight and breed restrictions on them. 

Effective property management starts with being proactive. If you need help juggling all that is involved with overseeing your apartment or business complex, turn to NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, NE. This full-service agency offers help with everything from financial reporting and cost-analysis to organizing facility maintenance and marketing. Their goal is to help you save money on operations, maximize your profits from tenants, and reduce your risk of facing liability claims. To view a full list of their offerings, including property management, visit them online. You can also call (402) 441-5800 to set up a consultation.