Renting a property should be like a home where it is safe, healthy, and you feel most comfortable. After all, the last thing you want is to get sick from staying home, right? Here are the top 3 health hazards in a rental.

Top 3 Health Hazards in a Rental

Lead Paint

Lead paint is one example of a potential health hazard for landlords and tenants. Before 1978, it was common for construction workers to use this now-known poisonous substance in paints to make it last longer. However, following the discovery of lead poisoning, which causes grave health concerns including headaches, abdominal pains, and abnormal child development, the federal government banned its use. In addition, they also made it mandatory for all homeowners to declare the use of lead-based paint in their homes to tenants.

Asbestos

Similar to lead, asbestos was a popular building material before Environmental Protection Agencies realized its negative impact on residents. Before that, asbestos was a common ingredient for insulation and flooring jobs as an affordable fire-resistant material. As a result, it was present in most homes and was eventually banned in the 80s, when it was discovered that its thin fibers could cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other severe respiratory issues.

Mold

Unlike lead and asbestos, homeowners of newer buildings also have to be cautious of mold. It is a fungus that grows in humid places and is common in rooms with leaky pipes, windows, or roofs. Additionally, houses with poor ventilation are more likely to encounter mold infestation after sustaining water damage such as flooding. Thus, it is particularly prevalent in spaces like the basement, bathroom, and under sinks. It is not visible instantly but renters need to be careful as it can also cause respiratory issues like asthma in children, and irritation that leads to wheezing, itchy and red eyes, and skin rashes.

Difference between Safety Hazard vs Health Hazard

Sometimes we use safety and health hazards interchangeably, and while both require attention from landlords and tenants, knowing the differences can help both parties create appropriate prevention strategies.

Causes

Safety hazards involve a dangerous situation causing damage such as blocked fire escape, shaking railings, or faulty wiring. On the other hand, health hazards are most often associated with harmful substances, which can be neither chemical nor biological.

Effects

Safety hazards are often dealt with in risky conditions as they are more likely to cause immediate physical injury. For example, a tenant can slip on a wet floor or trip on a shaky staircase and sustain a scratch. In contrast, health hazards can take several years to manifest. Some harmful materials require prolonged weeks or even months of exposure, increasing the likelihood of causing long-term health effects.

Regulations

The regulatory bodies that create policies on health and safety hazards also differ. Safety hazards often fall under consumer protection and are easier to resolve with warning signs and quick repairs. However, occupational and environmental safety laws dictate what homeowners should consider health hazards. As a result, they often require ongoing inspection or professional analysis to monitor exposure levels.

Shared Responsibility of Landlords and Tenants

Creating a Safe Environment

Although landlords own the property, tenants also share the responsibility of creating a safe environment while living on the property. Tenants must cooperate by avoiding potentially hazardous actions and ensuring their building meets these codes. For example, property owners may build a designated area for smoking and must check and maintain smoke detectors regularly. However, there must still be familiarization with the local codes and safety policies before implementing this to create a safe environment. It’s important to hire a local property manager from Fairfax to provide clear responsibilities for both parties.

Conducting Regular Inspections

Landlords must schedule regular inspections to ensure the property is in tip-top condition. Routine inspections can help spot issues like mold or lead under chipped paint early, allowing landlords to make repairs. However, property owners also have to give tenants appropriate notice, and renters need to allow landlords to have access and report potential hazards if they notice any.

Reporting Issues Promptly

Tenants spend more time on the property and are more likely to be the first person to notice if something is amiss such as a leak or electrical problem. Thus, tenants are responsible for reporting these issues to landlords at first sight, and landlords would need to act swiftly when they receive such notices.

Making Timely Repairs

Landlords need to respond promptly to repair requests to get their house back in order and keep tenants happy. Mold or asbestos sightings can cause severe health effects, which may require property owners to house renters temporarily while repairs are made.

Conclusion

Lead, asbestos, and mold are toxic substances that can have detrimental medical effects after prolonged exposure. As a result, landlords and tenants must know these top health hazards, and how they differ from safety hazards. This allows landlords and tenants, to plan preventative strategies to avoid these health and safety hazards. As this is a shared responsibility for landlords and tenants, both parties play a crucial role in creating a safe environment, by conducting regular inspections, reporting issues, and making repairs. Working with a professional property manager can effectively help set regular maintenance and address health hazards to avoid damage to the rental property.