A Guide to Keeping Your Rental Home Safe for Your Family

Finding the perfect rental home for your family can be a real challenge, but once you’ve settled in, it’s important to create a safe and secure environment for your family, especially your kids including your furry (or feathery) friends. Learning general safety measures, child- and pet-proofing your rental home will ensure you can maximize your rental experience.

Here are some tips to keep your rental safe, with a special focus on keeping kids and pets out of harm’s way:

General Rental Home Safety Measures:

• Befriend Your Landlord: Maintain a good relationship with your landlord. Let them know about any maintenance issues promptly, and communicate openly about any safety concerns you may have.
• Know Your Exits: Make sure everyone in the family, including older children, knows where all the exits are located and how to unlock them quickly in case of an emergency.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure your rental has working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These life-saving devices should be inspected and replaced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Fire Safety Plan: Create a fire escape plan and practice it with your family. Designate a meeting place outside for everyone to gather in case of a fire.

Child Safety:

• Window Guards: If you have young children, consider installing window guards that meet local safety regulations. These prevent falls from open windows.
• Cabinet Locks: Use childproof locks on cabinets containing cleaning supplies, medications, and other harmful items.
• Electrical Outlet Covers: Install outlet covers to prevent curious fingers from exploring electrical sockets.
• Anchor Furniture: Secure furniture, especially bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent them from tipping over if a child climbs on them.
• Sharp Corners: Consider using corner protectors on sharp furniture edges to minimize bumps and bruises.

Pet Safety:

• Pet-Proofing: Walk around your rental from your pet’s perspective. Look for electrical cords, toxic plants, or small objects they might chew on and remove them from reach. This article about Pet proofing Your Home gives more detail.
• Secure Gates: If you have stairs, install safety gates to prevent falls.
• Identify a Safe Space: Create a designated, pet-friendly area for your furry friend to relax when you’re not home. This could be a crate, a playpen, or a specific room.
• Know Your Pet’s Limits: Be mindful of your pet’s temperament and supervise interactions with children. Teach your children how to interact with pets gently and respectfully.

Additional Tips:

• Get renters insurance to protect your belongings in case of fire, theft, or other covered events.
• Invest in a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it properly.
• Keep a first-aid kit readily available.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By taking these precautions, you can create a happy and secure environment for your family to enjoy your rental home. With a little planning and effort, you can turn your rental into a haven for your whole family!