East Coast apartments face numerous liability issues, and your client must understand how to negate them. The benefits of convenience, cultural diversity, and abundant educational and employment opportunities of living in an East Coast apartment are only a few. However, apartment living has its fair share of liability issues, like any living arrangement.
Common Liability Issues in Apartments on the East Coast
In this article, we’ll delve into the most prevalent liability concerns that East Coast residents encounter and discuss the importance of having robust liability insurance coverage for apartment owners and landlords.
Unsanitary Conditions and Pest Infestations
Mold, mildew, leaks, and dampness make an apartment look and smell unpleasant and pose serious health risks for tenants. Pests like cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs, can also turn even the most beautifully designed apartment into a nightmare and make living conditions extremely uncomfortable.
Structural Issues
Structural problems are a recurring complaint among tenants. Cracks in walls or ceilings, damaged or sagging floors, broken windows, and faulty doors pose significant challenges to any living space’s safety, security, and overall functionality.
Heating and Hot Water Issues
Insufficient insulation, faulty heating systems, broken radiators, or malfunctioning thermostats can turn any space into an icebox. And in areas with more unforgiving weather conditions, this can be particularly unbearable.
Other common problems include:
- Broken or missing doorbells, buzzers, or intercoms.
How to File a Complaint?
Before filing a formal complaint, it is advisable to attempt to solve this issue with the landlord, superintendent, or managing agent. Individuals who reside in a co-op or condo should report apartment maintenance concerns to the owner, board, or management company. Ultimately, this follows the agreements between the co-op or condo owner and the board.
It is wise to take this step before filing a complaint with the HPD (Department of Housing Preservation and Development). The HPD is responsible for investigating landlord complaints and issuing tickets to owners who violate the law.
Upon receiving a complaint, they will contact the building’s managing agent to inform them about the complaint. They will then discuss the possibility of issuing a violation if there is no resolution.
Liability Insurance
Relying solely on homeowners insurance is a common mistake among first-time landlords. To avoid potentially devastating financial consequences, landlords must understand the limitations of their existing insurance coverage and secure liability insurance specifically designed for rental properties. By doing so, landlords can ensure a safer and more secure rental experience for everyone on the property.
About Snyder Specialty
Snyder Specialty, LLC is a New York-based underwriting facility that provides a range of property and liability solutions for personal and commercial lines. Specializing in coastal properties and hard-to-place risks, Snyder Specialty expands your current capabilities with proven solutions for complex risks. Find out more about the company’s range of services by calling (718) 362-8039
