Back HomeSimple, Savvy Strategies for Keeping Your Rental Property Secure
Although rental properties are a wise investment, they can be difficult to monitor if you don&’t live nearby or if you have a busy life. Thankfully, there are strategies you can use to minimize the risk of break-ins, theft, and property damage.
Assess the Market
Assessing what security features are expected in the local rental market is essential when preparing your property for lease. One effective method for identifying these expectations is to explore local rental listings. By analyzing similar properties in your area, you can gain insights
into what security measures they have incorporated. This could range from basic features like peepholes and chain locks to more advanced systems like key codes, remote unlocking, and surveillance cameras. Understanding these expectations allows you to enhance your property’s appeal and align with market standards, ultimately attracting responsible tenants who value safety and security.
Install a Security System
The turnover of rentals is high, which makes security and maintenance essential concerns. This doesn&’t mean you must invest thousands of dollars in state-of-the-art surveillance and alarms. You can find a security system that suits your needs and budget or invest in a few essential products—such as smart home devices or a well-placed exterior camera. You&’ll also want to coordinate your security system with the rental platform you use to book guests. For example, they may provide sound decibel monitors and digital locks, so check in with them before
investing in your system.
Know Your Area Codes
To enhance the security of your rental property, consider using a reverse callback service to identify unknown callers before engaging with them. These services allow you to look up phone numbers, helping you distinguish between legitimate calls and potential scams. Familiarizing yourself with various area codes can provide further insight into where calls originate, adding another layer of caution. For example, you can look for info on the 212 area code and see that it&’s linked to New York City, which can help you recognize whether a call is from a local tenant or someone out of state.
Hire a Property Manager
A proactive and responsive property manager can help you maintain your property, screen tenants, organize cleaners, and improve security. Regularly having someone on the property can deter burglars who could be casing the house. If there is any damage to your rental (either
by tenants, weather events, or a break-in), your property manager can address it immediately. This is especially important if you have a vacation rental with a high turnover.
Document Everything
Documenting everything inside your property (e.g., furnishings, appliances, amenities) is a good idea in case of theft or damage. This makes insurance claims a much more straightforward process. While most tenants will be honest and report anything they break, not everyone will. A detailed record of your belongings—including a photograph, the cost, and the manufacturer—can help resolve a dispute if it arises. Be sure to give your property manager a copy of this document so he or she can do regular checks for damage or theft.
Post Emergency Numbers
For a multiplex property, consider posting a list of local emergency contact numbers somewhere visible in a common area. Be sure to include phone numbers for the local police and fire department, as well as your and your property manager’s numbers. You may also want to find a contact who lives next door or on the same street in case of minor issues that can be resolved by someone nearby. Other services to include are your plumber, electrician, and go-to handyperson.
Maintaining the security of your rental property is a multifaceted task that demands attention to detail and proactive measures. By implementing advanced security systems, conducting thorough tenant screenings, and staying informed about the latest safety technologies, you can significantly reduce risks and provide peace of mind for yourself and your tenants. Remember, a secure property not only attracts responsible tenants but also contributes to the longevity and value of your investment. Ultimately, your effort to secure your rental property pays off as a stable, profitable, and safe real estate venture.
Author: Manny Seymour
