Date Published 06 May 2024
When renting out a property, it can sometimes be challenging to discover a home suitable for families with younger children. We want to ensure being a family while renting doesn't limit your options, so as a landlord or tenant, child-proofing your property is a super important element when creating a family-friendly home. We have gathered a list of tasks that we believe are essential to establishing a safe environment for younger children on a property.
Installing safety gates
By installing gates in entrances or stairways, you can prevent children from gaining access to certain rooms and staircases, reducing the possibility of accidents. This allows you to have peace of mind when turning your back on them. As a landlord, these could be kept in storage and made available for family renters.
Reducing choking hazards
Loose curtain cords and electrical wires around the property can increase the risk of accidents. This can be avoided by adopting a different type of curtain to completely remove the need for cords, organising and covering the cables, or tucking them away.
Covering sharp corners
By crouching down to the same level as a young child, you are able to identify potential hazards that may hurt the child. By using corner guards and bumpers in low and high areas, these can be low-cost additions for that extra protection.
Using socket covers
Knowing children cannot access electricity is an important factor in reducing incidents within a home. Sockets can sometimes be forgotten about as they are low-down and often within reach of children. Placing socket covers in the sockets will ensure they cannot be played with.
Reducing cords and wires
Loose curtain cords and electrical wires around the property can increase the risk of accidents. This can be avoided by adopting a different type of curtain to completely remove the need for cords, organising and covering the cables, or tucking them away.
Child locks
Using child locks is a great way to separate children from danger. They prevent children from gaining access to dangerous substances such as cleaning products and medications. These can also be put in place on windows and doors, reducing the chances of children getting hurt.
Anchoring down furniture
Ensuring you have secured any heavy furniture on the property is vital. Children become adventurous at a young age, which can lead to them exploring within the property, resulting in serious mishaps. This can be solved by using safety straps or brackets to secure furniture in place.
Overall, having these precautions in place is important when producing a safe environment within a property. Being considered exceptionally safe for family tenants might be a wonderful differentiator for your rental property if you're a landlord, as it could attract potential tenants.
Get in touch with us today if you need help making your rental property family-friendly
