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Are You Liable? What You Need to Know About Homeowner Responsibilities

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with The Kiefer Group Texas Broker 524520

Austin Texas - Accidents happen. But if they happen on your property, are you liable for damages? Possibly. As a homeowner, you are obligated to keep your property safe and free from obvious risks.



Where your obligation ends and personal responsibility begins is ultimately up to the courts to decide. Limit your exposure to potential homeowner liability risks:

Keep Pathways Clear – Prevent slip and fall accidents by removing yard debris, ensuring adequately exterior lighting, repairing leaking downspouts, and keeping sidewalks clear.

Repair Building Exterior – Maintain the exterior of your home, securing any loose siding or shingles, repairing stairs and railings, and fixing loose pavers.

Check Contractor Coverage – Make sure contractors and trades carry their own liability and workers’ compensation insurance, as you are liable for any damage they cause.

Train and Contain Dogs – Enroll Rover in dog training classes to curb any aggressive tendencies and designate a special fenced area for dog only.

Maintain Trees – Cut back dead branches or remove dead trees to prevent them from falling on your neighbor’s house (or neighbor) during the next big windstorm.

Comply With Building Code – Make sure any required safety equipment, such as handrails, and smoke detectors, are in good repair and functioning properly.

Secure Pools and Hot Tubs – Practice pool safety! Keep gates locked so neighbors cannot access it when you are not around, always supervise children, and make sure lifesaving floatation devices are easily accessible.

Supervise Trampoline Use – Check the safety net and pads regularly to make sure they are in good working order.

 

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Many thanks for reading our Real Estate Blog. George Kiefer is a Real Estate Agent and Broker-Owner of The Kiefer Group in Austin Texas. This is not intended as investment, legal, technical, or tax advice. This information is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions. The views expressed here are George Kiefer's personal views. George Kiefer is a licensed Broker in the State of Texas (Broker License #524520). He also holds the following designations: Certified Distressed Property Expert© (CDPE), Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist© (CLHMS), and The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD™. George Kiefer specializes in Luxury Home Sales, Seller Representation, Buyer Representation, Investment Property, Auction Representation, Hard Money Sales, Internet Marketing, Foreclosures, Bank Short Sales, Relocation Sales, REO Sales (property owned by lenders, government entities, or mortgage-backed securities funds), Multi-family property, Estate Probate Sales, Real Estate Consulting, and Broker Price Opinions.

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George Kiefer, Broker
The Kiefer Group

Comments(2)

Catherine Ulrey
Keller Williams Capital City - Salem, OR
Equestrian and Acreage Property Specialist

I think the same applies for cracked sidewalks too.

Jan 30, 2014 03:40 AM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Thank you for the guidelines.  I think that too many people are quick to sue when things like that happen.  It is difficult to keep on top of all the pieces of home ownership, especially with the snow and ice and keeping walkways safe.

Jan 30, 2014 04:31 AM