While heat-related deaths are uncommon in the US, many Americans suffer physically and financially due to heat-caused illnesses. Common heat-related illnesses include, among others, heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. Since federal landlord-tenant laws require every rental property owner to provide optimum living conditions for their tenants, the authorities may hold you liable in case your tenants suffer heat-related illnesses in the summer. In Atlanta, taking measures to keep your rental properties cool in summer can help you avoid this, so here are a few tips on how to do so.
Insulate Your Rental Property
Insulating your property is one of the most basic ways to protect your tenants from summer’s sweltering heat. As the name implies, insulating your property entails sealing any openings in your property’s thermal envelope that may allow heat to enter the house and raise indoor temperatures. While there’s no law in Georgia requiring owners to insulate their rental properties, consider doing it for the safety of your tenants. Take note that proper insulation can last many years, keeping your tenants safe both in summer and winter.
Install HVAC Systems
While installing HVAC systems in your single-family rental homes is not a legal requirement, doing so will not only increase the value of your property but also attract more tenants. In fact, research shows that additional features such as HVAC systems and pet policies can make a big impact on tenants’ decisions. It’s important to remember that you will also be responsible for the maintenance of the HVAC system, and that’s where having good landlord insurance coverage comes in handy.
Install Blackout Curtains and Blinds
According to the US Department of Energy, about 76% of sun rays that fall on windowpanes convert to heat, causing indoor temperatures to rise. That being said, you can make your single-family rental homes cooler by simply blocking sunlight. That said, install blinds or encourage your tenants to install blackout curtains to ensure that no excess heat enters the houses. Blackout curtains can block up to 30% of the heat that may enter a house. This should, when paired with other cooling measures, help you maintain a comfortable temperature for your rental homes in the summer.
Educate Your Tenants
Regardless of the steps you take to keep your rental property cool in summer, your tenants also should play their part for maximum safety. For instance, they should switch the air conditioners on and off appropriately, and for maximum efficiency, they can keep the thermostat at or above 72° F, according to the US Department of Energy. Additionally, tenants need to practice safe habits such as drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, limiting the use of heat-emitting appliances, taking colder showers, and dressing appropriately.
Conclusion
These are just a few ways you can help keep your rental property cool in Atlanta’s summer heat. Aside from the temperature, there are many other issues that come with managing rental properties. Specialized Property Management can help you stay on top of everything and give you peace of mind that your properties and tenants are being well-cared for when you aren’t there. To get a quote today, call us at 404-596-8429 or contact us online.
