Strategies for Working With Property Management

1. Understand Evaluation Procedures

Local fire agencies are conducting wildfire safety evaluation for all properties. As a legal tenant, you have the right to authorize a wildfire defensible space inspector on the property you rent. Your property owner cannot prevent you from allowing the local fire department or defensible space inspectors to access the property for this purpose.

After a Wildfire Risk Home Evaluation is completed, a report is generated outlining recommended and required actions to enhance the safety of the property. This report is accessed using a unique code which will be left at the property. It can be accessed by both the tenant and the property owner.

• As the tenant, you will receive the access code left at your home.
• Property owners can also request access to the report. In many cases, sharing the report with them can help move mitigation efforts forward.
• The report is never shared with third parties, including insurance companies.

If you need access to your report or have questions about next steps visit www.marinwildfire.org/dspace

 

2. Open the Conversation with Care

Wildfire risk can be a sensitive topic—especially as many property owners are already navigating insurance challenges due to wildfire risk exposure. Approach the conversation with empathy and shared interest. This is their investment, but it’s your home. You both benefit from proactive safety improvements.

 

3. Keep a Paper Trail

Document all communication with your property owner or manager regarding wildfire inspections, shared reports, and any related work or requests. A clear record supports transparency and helps avoid misunderstandings.

 

4. Before You Sign a Lease

Before you sign a lease, it’s a good idea to ask the property owner or manager what upgrades have been made to improve the home’s safety from wildfire. This could include things like removing vegetation close to the structure, or  ember-resistant vents. Understanding what wildfire mitigation measures have already been taken—and what might still be needed—can help you make a more informed decision about the safety and preparedness of the property.

 

5. After You Move In

Recognize that some mitigation measures, such as structural changes or vegetation removal, may take time for a property owner to implement—especially in multi-unit or managed properties. Fortunately, there are grant programs and public services that can help reduce the burden. Your willingness to support the process of reducing risks can also help the property owner to act.