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Slip-and-fall prevention checklist for a rental property

DoorKeeping team

3 min read

Falls are among the most common injuries at residential properties, and most come from a short list of hazards: uneven walking surfaces, bad lighting, loose handrails, wet or icy areas and clutter. Walk your common areas on a schedule, fix hazards quickly and keep dated notes. This checklist is organized by area so you can use it on site.

Why a checklist beats a general intention

Most hazards are small and fixable: a cracked step, a dead bulb, a loose rail. They become claims when no one notices them or when a notice goes unanswered. A fixed route and a fixed list make it likely you will see problems before someone else does. Federal workplace rules from OSHA on walking and working surfaces apply to employers, not to residential landlords as such, but they are a useful reference for what safe stairs, railings and floors look like.

Outside: entries, walkways, parking

  • Walkways: look for cracks, lifted slabs and potholes. Mark or fix any change in height.
  • Steps: treads even, nothing loose, edges visible. Railings firm when you pull on them.
  • Drainage: water should run away from entries, not pool on them.
  • Winter: plan who clears snow and salts ice, and when. Write it into the lease or your routine so it is not unclear.
  • Lighting: entries, stairs and parking lit at night. Replace dead bulbs the same week.
  • Landscaping: roots, hoses and low branches kept out of the path.

Inside: halls, stairs and shared spaces

  • Stair treads and nosing: no worn edges, loose carpet or torn runners.
  • Handrails: continuous, secure and at a comfortable height.
  • Lighting: halls and stairwells bright enough to see steps clearly. Check emergency or backup lighting if installed.
  • Floors: no curling vinyl or loose tiles. Clean up leaks the same day.
  • Clutter: keep exits, halls and landings clear of stored items.
  • Mats: use non-slip mats and make sure edges lie flat.

Inside a tenant's own unit, the tenant mainly controls the space, but a landlord still responds to repair requests such as a broken stair or a loose floor.

When something is wrong

  1. Make it safe first: cone it off, tape it, post a sign or close the area.
  2. Create a work order with the date, location and a photo.
  3. Schedule the fix and note who is doing it and when.
  4. After the repair, take a photo and close the work order.
  5. If an injury happens, help the person, take photos of the spot, write down witnesses, and call your insurer promptly. Do not guess about fault in writing.

Example a made-up owner finds a loose handrail on the walk-through on March 3, tapes off the stairs the same day and has it repaired by March 5. The work order shows March 3 found, March 3 taped, March 5 fixed. That is a clear record of a prompt response.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Practical next steps

Seasonal changes shift the list. In fall, check that gutters and downspouts carry water away so it does not freeze on walks, and clear leaves from steps. In winter, set a clear plan for snow and ice and who does it. In spring, look for frost heave that lifted slabs or cracked steps. In summer, check outdoor lighting and trim plants that have grown over paths. A short seasonal reminder beats memory, and it fits well with the roof and gutter checks you already do.

How DoorKeeping handles it

A hazard you find on a walk becomes a work order in seconds, and you can send the job to a vendor by link with no login on their side. The dates and notes stay on the property's record. You can ask Claude or ChatGPT, for example: "List open work orders more than 7 days old." Photos from your walk can be saved as documents under the property. DoorKeeping keeps the paperwork around insurance in one place and does not sell or replace insurance.

Sources

  1. OSHA, Walking-Working Surfaces, read Oct 30, 2026
  2. Premises liability, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, read Oct 30, 2026

Questions

Is a landlord responsible if a tenant slips on ice?
It depends on who controls the area, the lease and your state's law. Many states expect landlords to take reasonable care of common areas. Ask an attorney about yours.
How often should I walk my property?
Many owners do a monthly walk, and more often in winter or after storms. The right schedule depends on the property.
What should I do right after a fall?
Help the person, secure the hazard, photograph the spot, note witnesses and report to your insurer promptly.

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