Playing it safe: A 10-point risk management checklist for residential rental properties

Owning a residential rental property is first and foremost an investment. And like any investment, its success depends on generating income, or in other words, its ability to attract tenants. With more than 108 million renters in the U.S. and over 22 million landlords according to the Rental Protection Agency, it’s easy to see why property owners and landlords need to identify potential hazards for tenants and guests, and address them accordingly.

The National Multifamily Housing Council says more than 43 million households or 35% are renter-occupied. The largest segment of renters, 17%, are 30 years of age or younger. The cities with the largest number of renters include: New York, N.Y.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Chicago, Ill.; Houston, Texas; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Phoenix, Ariz. The majority of renters (43%) live in single-family homes and 35% of renters live in structures with five or more units.