Fire Protection for Rental Properties

 Ways to Protect Rental Properties in Areas at Risk for Forest Fires

Fire is a big concern when you are a landlord. It is even more concerning when you live in an area that deals with forest fires. If you aren't proactive, a wildfire could destroy your rental properties.

Here are some ways that you can protect your properties, all year long. 

Keep an eye on the risk. You should always be proactive when it comes to wildfires. Make sure that you check the risk of wildfire on a regular basis. If the risk gets high, make sure that you let your tenants know. 

Keep your homes and properties clear. You (or your tenants) should do everything possible to keep your property safe. Lawns need to be mowed and a weed eater should be used to keep unreachable areas short and less likely to catch on fire. You should remove any dead plants and vegetation. Trees should be kept trim so that they are not out of control. It is recommended that you keep trees at least ten feet apart so that they won't all go up in flames together. 

If the risk becomes high, it is time to take action. You (or your tenants) may want to run sprinklers and clean up any debris that could keep the fire going. You may also want to wet any decks and sidewalks so that they are less likely to catch on fire. Not only that, but you may want to purchase fire-retardant spray. When you soak your wood structures, they are less likely to catch on fire.

Invest in better siding and roof.  If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, you should do everything that you can to protect your property. You shouldn't have wood shingles. It is best to have an asphalt, tile, or metal roof. For siding, you may want to change it from wood to a metal or vinyl siding, so it is more resistant to fires. 

If you own properties in a place that often has wildfires, you are going to want to make sure that you keep an eye on the risk. You should also make sure that your homes are kept mowed and cleaned. Extra debris should be cleaned regularly to that fire is less likely to move to your area. You may also want to invest in better siding and a new roof. Metal is best, though you may try something else (other than wood).