Outdoor entertaining has never been more popular than it’s ever been, recent times has indicated that more and more people are opting to have a backyard fire pit as their number one choice when it comes to outdoor entertainment. A lot of families and even single individuals have expressed intent in wanting their patios and backyards to be transformed into that of an extension of the house, which would serve then as the area for where they are going to entertain guests or maybe just for family use. As the owner of single-family rental homes in Newport News, you would want to take advantage of this trend to make your residents feel more at home in your property. Within reason and as long as they follow what is prescribed by law, then they will appreciate you giving them the freedom to decorate the house and the yard. Although some items, like a freestanding fire pit or a backyard area, are far more dangerous than the rest and pose bigger risks to residents and property owners as well.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits cause around 3,700 fires each year. Thanks to the popularity of fire pits in recent years, injuries related to their use tripled from 1,330 to 3,608 in just six years. Many cities and counties also have restrictions and laws surrounding whether a fire pit or outside fireplace are even allowed.
There are ways to minimize the risks, one obvious way would be to install it properly and to make sure fire pits are being used in the right manner. If you have given permission to your residents to add a fire pit on your property, then it is just logical to follow what is being recommended to protect both your real estate investment and more importantly your residents. Fire prevention experts recommend that a fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any construction or neighbor’s yard, and have it positioned on a non-flammable exterior, such as blocks or concrete. Fire pits should never be placed under a porch roof or low-hanging trees, and should never be used when windy or when air quality standards prohibit their use. The experts also advise never to leave a fire pit unattended and to watch children and pets carefully around open flames.
If you have a resident that has installed or used a fire pit minus your approval, then you simply cannot trust that they have taken the needed precautions or that they understand basic fire safety. Not knowing about a fire pit on your rental property won’t stop it from causing damage and injury, which is why the consistency checking of all areas of your rental home is an essential part of quality property management.
At Real Property Management VA Peninsula, we understand what it takes to protect your real estate investment. Our comprehensive and professional property management services offer proper oversight of your rental homes and can give you total peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about your residents accidentally burning your Newport News rental house down when we’re on the job. For more information, please contact us online or call us at 757-251-9188 today!
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