6 Ways Maintenance Helps Reduce Liability Risks for Landlords

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1. Prevents Injuries to Tenants and Visitors

Third-party bodily injury claims made by tenants, visitors, or delivery persons can cost a bundle to settle or deal with in court.

Trip or slip-and-fall injuries are among the most common claims in Canada, and they can lead to a lawsuit against a property owner. A 2024 Zensurance survey of Canadians found that 69.3% would sue a business or property owner if they were injured in a trip or slip-and-fall.

According to the not-for-profit Canadian Institute of Health Information, almost 654,000 emergency room visits were made for injuries sustained after unintentional falls in 2018, accounting for almost a third of all reported emergency room visits for injury and trauma.

Landlords can avoid legal and financial issues by quickly identifying and fixing safety hazards, such as broken staircases and handrails, uneven flooring, or entranceways and driveways needing repair.

2. Prevents Damage to the Rental Property

Fixing minor property issues helps prevent them from becoming expensive damages to a building.

For example, addressing faulty wiring and electrical hazards that could spark a fire, fixing cracks in a building’s foundation or a leaky roof to prevent flooding, or resolving minor plumbing leaks that may lead to significant water damage or mould infestations in a home or apartment.

3. Meets Municipal Laws and Safety Codes

Municipalities have strict housing, fire, and general safety codes that landlords must obey. 

Failing to do so can result in expensive fines or even an order by authorities to vacate tenants until maintenance issues are resolved.

4. Strengthens Legal Defence in a Lawsuit

If a tenant files a complaint with local authorities or launches a lawsuit against a landlord because of poor living conditions, having an accurate log of repairs and maintenance (including repair receipts) can help prove the landlord acted reasonably to address the issues proactively.

Routine maintenance and thorough documentation can help reduce damages awarded to a plaintiff, or the case against a landlord could be dismissed.

Furthermore, routine maintenance preserves the property and safeguards landlords from potential legal complications.

5. Reduces Tenant Claims

Regular maintenance helps prevent tenants from suffering injuries, filing complaints, or making claims in the first place.

An added bonus, tenants appreciate a conscientious landlord who is responsive and maintains the upkeep of a rental property. Doing so builds trust with tenants and helps prevent misunderstandings that could escalate to legal disputes.

Maintaining a rental property helps to keep tenants happy, which lowers the chances that they will move out and leave the property vacant.

6. Helps Keep Insurance Premiums Low

Maintaining rental properties enhances their value, reduces the risk of damage that requires emergency repair, and can help keep the cost of landlord insurance low.

Insurers recognize and appreciate property owners who take proactive action to protect their buildings and properties. They see them as responsible owners who are less likely to file a claim.

What Parts of a Rental Property Should Landlords Focus Maintenance Efforts?

While it’s critical to maintain the upkeep of a rental property from the roof to the basement, there are some parts of a house or building that may require regular inspection, including:

• Exterior and interior stairways and handrails
• Entrances and exits, driveways, parking lots, and walkways
• Roofs, eavestroughs, downspouts, and drainage systems
• Heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems
• Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and appliances
• Exterior and interior lighting
• Hallways and common areas, particularly if a rental property houses more than one tenant
• Basements, building foundations, and areas where mould or pest infestations may occur

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