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

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

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

1. Perimeterfences

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

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