Successful Property Management Prevents Liability
One thing that makes America unique in the world is that even when someone has committed a wrong that’s not considered a criminal act, the people still have legal tools available to them to see justice down. The lawsuit is one such tool, and it is used on real estate owners who have, through negligence, allowed residents or visitors to come to harm on their real estate grounds.
Being sued, especially in property management, means being found “liable” for something. Here's what you need to know to avoid liability in your property management projects.
Always Remember You Are Responsible
In this form of business, it is critical to remember that, ultimately, property management is responsible for any harm to residents or visitors resulting from an issue with the property itself. However, this is only the case if negligence can be proven. That is to say, if those involved in the lawsuit can convince a judge or jury that property management was aware of an issue that posed a risk of injury but chose to ignore that risk, then liability has been proven should an injury arise from that neglect.
Take Preventive Measures
The crucial step is taking preventive action. Good property management is about not letting small problems turn into big ones. For example, one classic example of a liability is crooked steps in a building or even broken lightbulbs in a stairwell. People walking up and down uneven steps or in the dark run a much higher risk of slipping and falling. Taking the time to repair the steps or replace a light bulb means you are aware of the problem and have addressed it.
Another example is pool safety. If there are children among the residents, ensuring the pool is properly gated and inaccessible during off hours can be crucial to preventing drowning accidents.
If you’d like more help taking preventive measures to avoid liability, contact Occupancy Solutions and let us help.