Everyone is concerned with security. At your own home, you’ve likely invested in some technology and some systems to keep your property and your family safe. Tenants are eager to have the same protections in place, and it’s in your best interests to keep them feeling secure. Tenants who feel safe will likely renew their lease. They’ll also participate in protecting your investment.
Here are 7 easy tips that we have pulled together as Roseville property managers to help you increase the security level at your property.
1. Keep the Exterior Well-Lit
Security is especially important when it’s dark. Your tenants will likely feel less secure at night than they do during the day, so good exterior lighting is important. Install porch lights; research has shown that homes with an outside light on are less likely to be victimized than dark homes. Motion lights can be a great addition to detached garages or even the sides of houses or buildings.
2. Maintain your Shrubs, Bushes, and Trees
Trim back any bushes or trees that may grow in front of windows. You don’t want to give anyone the opportunity to hide when they don’t belong at the house. Tenants want to be able to look out the door or the window to see who is there before they answer the door.
3. Install an Alarm System
Alarm systems can make your tenants feel safer. They can also protect your property during vacancies. Alarms can also be expensive. It’s worth it for you to provide the installation, and then you can let your tenants decide whether they want to pay to activate that system and maintain the service.
4. Offer a Video Doorbell
Video doorbells are popular, and a way for tenants to see who is at the door before they open it. Your residents can also access live video from their cell phones when they’re not home.
5. Make Parking Available and Convenient
You’ll want to make sure your tenants can safely walk from their cars to their homes. Ideally, you’ll have a garage or a driveway that’s off the street. If you don’t, make sure the path from the parking area to the front door is clear, designated, bright, and well-maintained.
6. Drive-By the Property from Time to Time
You don’t want to disrupt your tenants with constant visits and frequent interruptions, but you do want to keep an eye on your investment and make sure everything looks good. Consider driving by the property once a month. This will give you an opportunity to note any burnt-out lights, overgrown shrubs, or visible safety issues.
7. Keep the Utilities on During Vacancies
Vacancies are especially difficult times because, without someone living in the property, it could become a target for criminals, thieves, and vandals. We have heard of people stealing copper pipes and appliances from vacant homes. There have been issues with squatters. Keep the utilities on so you can keep the home well-lit when it’s empty.
These are just 7 simple safety checks you can implement right away. If you’d like to talk more about keeping your Roseville rental property secure, please contact us at Action Properties.
