Forums » Rental Property Questions & Landlording Issues » Dryer Fire

Dryer Fire 8 posts by 8 users

Donny R.

Posted: 01/06/2008 at 02:37PM

Thankfully I have not had a fire because according to Consumer Reports I have dangerous flexible foil ducts that can snag lint and can catch fire. Any folks out there with dryers in their units or have tenants bring their own dryers should watch the video on the linked page:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/laundry-and-cleaning/clothes-dryers/reports/dryer-fire-caution/index.htm

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Ryan A.

Real Estate Investor
Westerly, RI

33 posts

Posted: 02/12/2008 at 10:34AM

Good info. I can see this being overlooked if not thought about!

David A.

Raleigh, NC

BP Donor

91 posts

Posted: 02/12/2008 at 12:02PM

that's the whole reason why they have lint catchers in dryers, because such problems have happened in the past.

Make sure you properly maintain the dryer by regularly emptying the lint catch. This also helps speed up drying time a bit too.

I have no clue of the law if a tenant is at fault over a fire caused by not cleaning out the lint catch. It could be portrayed as negligence on their part, probably.

MikeOH

Real Estate Investor
Ohio, Ohio

2665 posts

Posted: 02/12/2008 at 04:50PM

I have no clue of the law if a tenant is at fault over a fire caused by not cleaning out the lint catch. It could be portrayed as negligence on their part, probably.

I doubt that. The law considers tenants to be ignorant victims. The mean landlord that is taking advantage of the tenant is ALWAYS at fault!

Mike

Northshore B.

Property Manager
Honolulu, HI

473 posts

Posted: 02/12/2008 at 09:43PM

More importantly, it is YOUR property going up in smoke! There is a reason for PREVENTATIVE maintenance...

Aly L.

Real Estate Investor
New Jersey

226 posts

Posted: 02/12/2008 at 10:05PM

I just replaced my plastic dryer vent (14 years old) because the plumber that recently installed my new water heater said the plastic was a fire hazard. I replaced it with a foil vent. I didn't know THAT was also a hazard. I clean the lint trap in my dryer after every load.

I'm in contract to buy a rental house and the tenant has her own washer/dryer in there. I'll check if it's plastic or foil.

Does anyone insist their tenants purchase renter's insurance?

Zachary N.

Banker
CO

8 posts

Posted: 03/08/2008 at 11:50AM

Most building codes require non flexible ducting for the dryer vent, and that the flexible ones can only span a certain length.

Michael M.

Real Estate Investor
North Syracuse, NY

20 posts

Posted: 03/08/2008 at 04:07PM

Yes we should all clean the lint screen in the drier however you still need to buy a cheap chimney brush and clean out the flu at least once a year. Lint will make it by the 1st screen and build up from very small particles that were not caught. Also make sure you have a louvered cap on the outside to prevent birds or rodents from nesting. YES THEY WILL! While your at it you should check your furnace flu and screen the top of that off as well. I know from experience.