In-Unit and Building Risks for Apartments and Condos

We understand that managing a property—whether it be an apartment, condominium or similar dwelling—can be a challenge, particularly from a risk management standpoint. Even if a property manager only looks after a single space, they face innumerable exposures—exposures that can come from a variety of sources and lead to thousands of dollars in damages and loss of income potential in an instant. In-unit and building risks are a source of these exposures.  You can download our Loss Control Guide for Apartments and Condos for a full description and valuable checklist.

You can’t always predict when a major fire, disaster, accident or similar incident will occur. However, with the right loss prevention program, you’ll be properly prepared and can reduce the impact of an incident or even eliminate certain risks altogether.  Having a comprehensive habitational insurance policy can protect your apartment or condo complex.  Call GDI Insurance today 209-634-2929.

Balconies and Deck Liabilities

Balconies and decks create a variety of potential injury and liability concerns. In the event that they fail or don’t feature the proper guardrails, residents can fall and injure themselves. In addition, residents may store heavy items on these structures, which can injure passersby if they fall.

Many injuries related to balconies and decks are a result of poor construction, improper maintenance, structural weaknesses and, in some instances, inadequate warnings to residents. To protect you and your residents, it’s important to be proactive in managing building risks associated with balconies and decks.

How are Windows an Exposure?

While some building risks differ depending on the type of dwelling, windows are a universal exposure. What’s more, windows present a variety of potential liability concerns, and property managers need to account for all of them.

Not only do faulty windows create potential injury risks related to falls and broken glass, but they can also lead to security and break-in concerns. This is especially true for units on the first floor. Additionally, broken windows that go unrepaired can increase the likelihood of water damage caused by storms or even cause heating and cooling problems at your property.

Doors and Locks Your First Line of Defense

When it comes to building security, doors and locks are your first line of defense. Residents expect safe and secure buildings, and it is your job as a property manager to control access to your property and individual units. To protect resident safety, it’s essential to secure your building and provide appropriate means of egress in the event of an emergency.

While apartments and condos have traditionally relied on key and lock systems, more and more modern buildings are turning toward electronic access control systems (key fobs). Both of these systems have their advantages and unique security considerations.

Mechanical, Plumbing and HVAC Systems

Mechanical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems are complex and an essential component of every property. A failure in any one of these systems can directly affect your residents, leading to a number of potential issues. Regular preventive maintenance tactics and structured repair procedures are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of mechanical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and the health of your property.

Electrical Safety Building Risks

Electricity is one of the most important components of comfortable and functional housing. The use of electricity in your building is unavoidable, making the proper safety protocols even more critical. Improper electrical safety in your building can lead to resident injuries or even death. What’s more, something as simple as an overloaded outlet can cause extensive property damage.

To protect your building and residents from the dangers associated with electricity, you must take care to inspect your property thoroughly and establish the appropriate safety standards.

Building Premise Security

Security can be a scary prospect for property managers. While you want to provide your residents with a safe place to live, the level of security you need to provide is not always clear-cut and, if it is lacking, could potentially make you liable for damages.

Increasingly, residents are looking to receive compensation from their property managers after they fall victim to a crime on leased property. It’s becoming more common for courts to rule in favor of the residents. While property managers are not responsible for the damages caused by every criminal act, they do have a duty to provide residents and their guests with reasonable measures of security. The simplest way to avoid liability is to reduce opportunity by eliminating conditions that attract criminals.

What To Do Next

Many building risks stand between a property manager and a secure building. To keep residents safe, it’s imperative that property managers take every precaution and thoroughly inspect their premises regularly. Doing so not only reduces liability concerns, but it can also make your property more attractive to potential residents.  Download our Loss Control Guide to find out how to avoid most risks.  Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. for your habitational insurance quote 209-634-2929.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!