Should we install handrails on our 3-step concrete porches?

[Dawn Young]

Hi, We;ve had our two single story rentals for about 9 months now, and coincidentally, they are both rented to senior citizens.  They are not handicap access, nor have we made any claim that they are.  The homes have a new, 3 step simple concrete porch with no hand rails.  Many of the homes in this area have the exact same steps with  No handrails.  Since then, both of my tenants have requested hand rails.  As I understand wa state law, I am not required to do this, but they are free to add them if they wish.  But they won't(they have relatives to help, but they never get around to it), and of course they are only getting older and more fragile with each passing month.  and I don't want them to fall!!! If it were your rentals, would you add hand rails to the steps on the porch?

Here's our hesitation:

1. We don't have a hammer drill and have never done this before.  (can we get away with a $50 hammer drill, or do we need something more heavy-duty?)

2.  We don't want to "train" the renters to expect us to continually handicap-access the home, which would be ongoing,  impossible and impractical.  

Thoughts?  I'm probably just worrying this to death.  Thanks, all!

[Paul Ewing]

My insurance requires hand rails for more than two steps plus railings around the porch.  I am not sure if all do, but it is something to look into.