Landlord Safety Responsibilities

Whether you rent out one house or manage hundreds of units, you’re responsible for keeping your rentals safe and following housing, fire and environmental laws. Requirements vary by state and city, so check local codes. Here are the duties that apply almost everywhere.

• Landlords
• Property managers

Core responsibilities

• Keep the property habitable and up to housing code: heat, water, plumbing, electrical, structure
• Install smoke alarms, and CO alarms where required, and replace them as they expire
• Maintain gas appliances, water heaters and venting; have heating systems serviced
• Keep exits, stairs, railings, fire escapes and hallways safe and clear
• Make sure windows required for emergency escape open
• Fence and gate pools as local code requires. See Pool & Water Safety
• Respond to repair requests promptly, and keep records

Lead paint (pre-1978 housing)

• Disclose known lead-based paint and hazards, give tenants the EPA “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” pamphlet, and include the lead warning in leases.
• Renovation and repairs that disturb paint must follow EPA’s RRP rule, by certified firms and renovators, including your own maintenance staff. See EPA Lead RRP Rule.
• Some states and cities have stricter lead rules for rentals.

Asbestos and mold

• Test suspect materials before renovation or demolition in older buildings. See Asbestos.
• Fix leaks and moisture problems quickly to prevent mold. See Mold in Your Home.

Hiring contractors and staff

• Hire licensed, insured contractors for electrical, gas, plumbing, roofing and tree work.
• Pull permits where required. See Hiring Contractors.
• If you employ maintenance workers, you’re an employer under OSHA: provide training, PPE, and safe ladders and tools. See Property Maintenance Workers.

Last updated: October 2, 2026