3 Common Building Code Violations Landlords Should Watch Out For

real estate law firmThere are many rules and regulations when it comes to real estate sales and building codes. For instance, in California, real estate agents must disclose any information about deaths on a property that have occurred within the last three years prior to a sale. The rules real estate agents must abide by are often fairly strict, but when you are in the property development industry, building code violations can be even more restrictive. This is because building codes are generally in place for the safety of homeowners and residents. So, what are some of the most common building code violations?

  1. Smoke Alarms
    There are different requirements based on the location of your residency, but possibly the most common housing violation involves improperly placed or insufficient smoke alarms. Most places will require smoke detectors to be both hard wired and battery backed.
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  3. Ventilation
    Having bathroom ventilation that leads into the attic instead of outdoors can lead to moisture accumulation. Following that, mildew and mold can form, leaving the resident at a serious health risk. Properly ventilated homes are much cleaner and safer to reside in.
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  5. Handrails
    A seemingly simple device like a handrail might not be traditionally thought of as something that can have a code violation associated with it. The most common handrail violation is not having a ‘return’. This means the handrail doesn’t return to touch the wall but instead runs parallel from the top of the staircase to the bottom. Having a handrail return can protect against falls.

If you are the landlord of a building full of tenants, it is important that you regularly have your property inspected for code violations. If you don’t, it is possible to be found liable for damages or injury caused by a code violation. If you are being accused of code violations, contact a real estate law firm immediately. A real estate lawyer might be able to help you find a more amicable solution to code violation lawsuits. If you need assistance with making sure your building is up to code, talk to a real estate law firm about regulations specific to your area.