Safeguarding your rental property is a crucial responsibility for landlords. Tenants want to know that their safety is your priority, and that you take reasonable steps to keep the property safe.
Installing door alarms and windows that can only be opened with a key helps to deter burglars. Also, installing motion sensor lighting near entry points and parking areas can reduce break-ins. Know the difference between homeowners insurance vs home warranty so you know what type of protection you have for your property.
Security Cameras and Alarms
Security cameras and alarms offer peace of mind for both owners and tenants. Tenants want to safeguard their belongings from theft while owners want to ensure the property is well-taken care of and protected from damage.
Tenants are also safer when security cameras are installed as they decrease the chances of violent crime like rape and murder. The footage can help law enforcement agencies quickly find and arrest perpetrators.
Landlords can use outdoor cameras to keep an eye on the exterior of the property and monitor activity. However, they should not place indoor security cameras in areas that guests expect to be private. This can breach privacy laws and can cause legal troubles in the future. Smart home security systems also have alarms that can sound when intruders are detected.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers are the silent heroes in your rental property that help protect tenants and landlords from the risk of fire damage. These systems act quickly to limit the spread of fire and contain it to a single room, giving tenants time to escape and reducing the cost of restoration and repair.
They also use far less water than fire fighting hoses, which helps minimize the environmental impact of fires and makes your rentals more attractive to environmentally conscious renters. California, in fact, requires all one- and two family dwellings to have fire sprinklers installed, so if your rentals don’t meet this standard, it’s time to upgrade.
A sprinkler system is an investment, but it’s one that will pay dividends if there is ever a fire. It will save lives and protect your property.
Exterior Lighting
Basic exterior lighting keeps your tenants safer. It prevents them from tripping over rocks, toys, their kid’s bicycles or that BB-9E Droid they forgot was in the yard (pssst, those are so cool).
It also makes it harder for people to hide or evade detection on the property. It’s a deterrent to anyone looking for trouble, and it will help your tenants avoid costly
lawsuits should someone slip or fall.
Exterior lighting can also highlight key features of your property and add a little extra curb appeal for when you invite friends over for BBQs or evening conversations on the porch. It can be energy efficient too, with options such as photocells and motion sensors that only light up when necessary. They also use less electricity than manual on/off switches, which can save you money on monthly utility bills.
Landscaping
When tenants move in, they expect to see a well-maintained outdoor setting that reflects the property’s value and enhances the overall appeal. Landscaping can include anything from a simple lawn to an elaborate vista. Landlords should be careful to use a mix of plants and hardscape elements that are pet-friendly, require minimal maintenance and can stand up to weather. Using rain gardens to reduce run-off is an eco-friendly option that can help protect the environment and cut water costs.
Keeping the landscape in good condition can also boost the security of the home. Burglars are less likely to target a rental that looks occupied, and exterior lights can help deter crime by making intruders look out of place. Landscape designs can also increase the value of a property, allowing landlords to raise the rent accordingly.
Tenant Screening
Tenant screening helps property managers identify tenants who are less likely to damage the property or miss rent payments. The process typically involves a rental application, credit and background checks.
Ideally, landlords should look for applicants with a good credit score, stable employment, and a positive rental history. A poor credit report and criminal record are red flags that may signal an inability to pay the rent.
Landlords should also use consistent screening criteria and avoid questions that could be interpreted as discriminatory. It is important to work with a professional to develop a tenant screening process that complies with all state and local laws. Evictions are costly and time-consuming for landlords, and they can also harm the reputation of a property management company.
