Space heaters are notorious for causing deadly accidents, and they must never be used in a rental home. We’ve all heard the story: a family goes to bed on a freezing winter night, their space heater keeping the chilly air at bay—and they never wake up. The space heater either malfunctioned and filled the home with toxic fumes, or it started an electrical fire from which no one escaped. Accidents like these are all too common, and no Lake Stevens property owner wants to learn that such a tragedy has affected their own tenants.
In the past, electric space heaters were thought to be less dangerous than fuel-based space heaters. However, even electric heaters must be watched carefully and used with approved safety methods. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to the dangers of space heaters, and there’s no guarantee that your tenants will learn or obey the approved safety practices or use the space heater appropriately, which may bring about tragic outcomes.
Banning space heaters is not only a smart security measure but also a significant part of safeguarding you and your rental property venture. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission predicts that over 25,000 residential fires are caused by space heaters each year. These fires lead to over 300 deaths and 6,000 emergency room visits annually. While a number of these are burns from coming into contact with a space heater unit, others are much more critical.
As a rental property owner, you bear the burden of liability if you allow your tenants to use space heaters. While your landlord’s insurance supports the loss of the rental home itself, if a space heater has caused any loss of life or serious injury, someone may take legal action against you. Lawsuits alleging negligence could endanger not only your income but also your assets and, in some cases, your freedom.
Regular property evaluations are critical to keeping your property safe from the threats of space heaters. At Real Property Management North Puget Sound, regular evaluations are an important part of our property management program. We believe that the protection of your tenants is of the utmost importance, as is defending you and your investment from the perils of noncompliance. Contact us online or call us at 425-903-8500 to learn more about what we can do for you.