As a rule, electric heaters are regarded as the safer option for residential use than fuel-based models. But even electric heaters must be used under strict surveillance and should be by the recommended safety practices. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to injury caused by space heaters, which puts any resident with a family or pet at risk. Also, there’s no guarantee that your residents will know or follow the recommended safety practices or use the space heater correctly, which may lead to disastrous results.
Banning space heaters is not only a wise safety standard but also an essential part of guarding yourself and your real estate investment. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that over 25,000 residential fires are caused by space heaters each year. These fires result in more than 300 deaths and 6,000 emergency room visits annually. While some of these injuries are burns from touching a space heater unit, others are far more severe.
As the rental property owner, you bear a higher possibility of liability if you let your residents use space heaters. While your landlord’s insurance includes the damage to the rental home itself, if a space heater has caused any loss of life or serious injury, that may result in additional legal action against you. Lawsuits alleging negligence or worse could endanger not only your resources, but also your assets and, in some cases, your freedom.
Regular property evaluations are vital to protecting your property from the dangers presented by space heaters. At Real Property Management Northern Arizona, regular evaluations are a foundational piece of our property management program. We believe that the safety of your residents is a top priority, as is protecting you and your investment from the dangers of noncompliance. Contact us online or call us at 928-757-7368 to learn more about what we can do for you.