The holiday season is upon us, and that means an increase in the number of guests visiting residents in property associations whether for it’s for parties or overnight stays.

Most property associations share common best practices to protect residents and guests year round, but they become more important when the number of visitors is expected to increase. These practices include fences, gates, fire and burglar alarms, and battery replacement programs for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Associations generally have well lit common areas and parking lots, and keep trees, bushes and other foliage trimmed for the safety of residents and as protection from crime.

However, a best practice is not always so simple. Any of these actions can create additional liability for community associations. Associations need to take the time to think through where a best practice can lead and plan accordingly. Consider these three examples of potential general liability exposure in habitational risk stemming from some common best practices.

1. Perimeter fences

Fences are often the first line of defense against break-ins. They’re also an opportunity for children to climb and injure themselves, which can leave the association at a potential liability risk for any injury the child may sustain.