Staircases in Iowa homes and rental properties can be deceptively risky. After a fall, investigations often turn up problems like:
- Poor lighting in entryways and stairwells (a frequent issue in older buildings)
- Loose or missing handrails or railings that don’t feel secure
- Uneven steps caused by settling, worn framing, or improper repairs
- Worn treads, slick surfaces, or missing traction strips
- Cluttered landings—boxes, seasonal items, or maintenance materials left in walkways
- Weather-tracked debris near entrances that leads to slips right before or on steps
In Boone, these issues often show up in places where residents and visitors come and go—apartment stairwells, duplexes, shared building entries, and workplaces with staff traffic.


