Do you want to be a good landlord? Or do you want to just avoid being sued? There are two ways. The first is the way of kindness, which means building your property with accessibility in mind and dealing with your tenants respectfully. The second is the way of fear, which means hiring security guards and lawyers to protect yourself from lawsuits that might come down the road. Most people choose the path of kindness because it’s the right thing to do, and it makes your tenants happy.
Accessibility is important for all tenants, but it’s especially important for those who have disabilities. In this article, we’re going to talk about how you can build a more accessible property for your tenants.
- Make sure your stairs are ramped
- Install accessibility elevators
- Provide designated handicap parking spaces
- Include Braille or raised lettering at all doorways, public restrooms, and elevators
- Install handrails in the washrooms that go 4-5 feet above the floor to prevent people from losing their balance
- Make sure all light switches and outlets are at a comfortable height
- Final Thoughts
Make sure your stairs are ramped
One of the most important things you can do to make your property more accessible is to make sure your stairs are ramped. This will allow tenants with disabilities to easily navigate your property. It’s also important to have wide doors and halls so that those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices can easily get around.
If you’re not sure how to make your property more accessible, you can always consult with a professional. There are many companies that specialize in accessibility, and they can help you make the necessary changes to your property.
Install accessibility elevators
If you have a multi-level home, then installing an accessibility elevator is a must. An accessibility elevator will allow tenants with disabilities to easily move between floors. It’s also important to have an elevator if you have a lot of stairs, as this can be difficult for those with disabilities to navigate.
An accessibility elevator can make life a lot easier for tenants with disabilities, and it’s something you should definitely consider installing in your home.
Provide designated handicap parking spaces
It’s important to make parking as convenient as possible for tenants. Make sure to have designated handicap parking spaces that are close to the entrance of your building, on either the left or the right side of a level driveway, ensuring that they can easily get in and out of their vehicle.
Also, be aware when installing this special type of signage that the blue parking sign background should be used to ensure compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. If you’re not sure how to provide designated handicap parking spaces, you can consult with your local municipality or a private sign company.
Include Braille or raised lettering at all doorways, public restrooms, and elevators
In order to make your property more accessible, it’s important to include Braille or raised lettering at all doorways, public restrooms, and elevators. This will allow tenants who are visually impaired to easily navigate your property. It’s also a good idea to have tactile signage on all call buttons in public restrooms and elevators.
If you’re not sure how to include Braille or raised lettering in your property, you can consult with a sign company or local municipality. They will be able to help you make your property more accessible for all tenants.
Install handrails in the washrooms that go 4-5 feet above the floor to prevent people from losing their balance
Having handrails in the washrooms is important for two reasons. First, it helps people keep their balance while they’re washing their hands. And second, it prevents people from falling and getting injured.
If you’re not sure how to install handrails in the washroom, you can consult with a professional. They will be able to help you make your property more accessible for all of your tenants.
Make sure all light switches and outlets are at a comfortable height
Your tenants will appreciate not having to reach up high or down low to turn on the lights or plugin their appliances. This is a small detail that can make life a lot easier for those with disabilities. It’s also a good idea to have light switches and outlets that are easy to see, so those with vision impairments can easily navigate your property.
If you’re not sure how to make your light switches and outlets more accessible, you can consult with a professional. They will be able to help you make the necessary changes to your property.
Final Thoughts
Building a more accessible property doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By following these tips, you can make your property more comfortable and safe for everyone who lives there. And remember, always be respectful of your tenants and their needs. They are the most important part of your property.