Security is a priority for everyone. Just as you’ve probably invested in technology and systems to safeguard your home and family, tenants also seek similar protections. Ensuring their safety is crucial as it encourages lease renewals and motivates them to contribute to safeguarding your property. As Roseville property managers, we’ve compiled seven simple tips to enhance security at your property.
Install Deadbolt Locks on All Exterior Doors:
Deadbolt locks offer enhanced security compared to standard doorknobs due to their increased resistance to picking and break-ins. They come in various styles and finishes, allowing you to select one that matches your home’s aesthetics while ensuring optimal security.
Proper alignment of deadbolt locks with the door frame and strike plate is essential for maximum protection. It’s recommended to engage professionals experienced in installation rather than attempting to do it yourself.
Install a Modern Video Security System:
A contemporary video security system serves as a potent deterrent against criminals, deterring potential crimes when individuals are aware of surveillance.
Recorded video footage can serve as crucial evidence in the event of a committed crime.
Choosing between IP and analog security cameras is a significant consideration when setting up a video security system. Analog cameras are typically less costly and simpler to install, while IP cameras offer higher-resolution footage and greater customization options.
Modern security video systems often feature additional capabilities to heighten overall security. These systems can include motion sensors that trigger alarms upon detecting a person’s presence. Furthermore, they offer remote accessibility, enabling real-time monitoring of your property through a smartphone or laptop, regardless of your location.
Implementing Modern Access Control Solutions:
Enhancing security in your rental property involves adopting contemporary and efficient access control solutions. While traditional keys offer basic security, advanced technologies ensure access is restricted to authorized individuals.
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For instance, installing card or fob readers enables access upon presenting a specific card or fob. An increasingly popular alternative utilizes smartphones as access credentials, allowing users to enter the building using their phones, a more secure option compared to keys or cards. Unauthorized use of a stolen or found smartphone is mitigated by the need to unlock it before accessing the building or housing unit.
For highly secure areas, consider deploying biometric technologies such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning devices. These systems utilize unique identifiers like fingerprints or facial features to grant or deny access to the premises.
Use Window Bars to Secure Your Windows:
Securing windows is crucial for enhancing safety in your rental property. Window bars, and metal frames installed over windows, significantly deter break-ins. These bars come in various sizes and styles to match the aesthetic of your windows.
During installation, ensure the bars are securely affixed to the window frame or wall, preventing easy removal by intruders. Additionally, prioritize bars made from robust materials such as iron or steel for optimal security.
Install Smoke Detectors:
Property threats don’t solely stem from criminal activities but also from potential natural incidents, such as fires, posing a common risk of property damage and endangering occupants’ lives.
Smoke detectors play a critical role in early fire detection, alerting tenants before a fire escalates. Timely alerts can make a significant difference between minor property damage and catastrophic destruction, providing occupants with crucial evacuation time, and minimizing risks to lives.
Strategically place smoke detectors near bedrooms, stairways, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, regularly testing and maintaining them for optimal functionality.
Promoting a Safe Rental Environment:
As a landlord, ensuring safety at your property goes beyond providing shelter. Implementing security measures is essential, and it doesn’t always entail costly gadgets or advanced technology. Several simple yet proactive steps can enhance the safety and security of your tenants.
Fostering Community Engagement:
The community’s role in security is invaluable. Engaged neighbors act as an additional protective layer, contributing by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
Encouraging a sense of community, where neighbors watch out for each other, can deter criminals. Organizing events that facilitate neighbor interaction strengthens this bond and promotes safety.
Establishing a Security Protocol:
While a security protocol might seem excessive, prioritizing safety is paramount. It doesn’t need to be intricate but should encompass proactive safety measures:
- Advising tenants to consistently lock doors and windows when away.
- Providing tenants with emergency and non-emergency contact lists for incidents or reporting suspicions.
- Regulating key duplication by tenants.
- Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance for lighting, landscaping, locks, and alarm systems.
- Prompt reporting of maintenance issues affecting security, like broken lights or damaged fences.
- Changing locks after tenant turnover to prevent unauthorized access.
Reasons for Landlords to Secure Their Rental Units:
The FBI’s statistics reveal an alarming truth: over one million burglaries happen annually in the United States, with residential properties accounting for 62.8% of these incidents.
Property crimes vary in nature, but regardless of the form they take, the aftermath can be distressing, resulting in property damage and requiring significant time and financial investment.
As a landlord, your responsibility extends to providing a livable residence for tenants. While this doesn’t mandate investing in cutting-edge smart security systems, it does necessitate taking sensible measures to ensure the safety of your rental property.
Here are the primary reasons why securing your rental property is crucial:
For Tenant Safety and Satisfaction:
Ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants isn’t just a moral responsibility but also a strategic business move. Creating a safe living environment fosters tenant satisfaction and, at times, encourages lease renewals. When tenants feel secure, they’re more likely to recommend your rental to others, potentially reducing marketing and turnover costs.
To Safeguard Your Property:
Protecting your investment is essential after dedicating your hard-earned resources. Inadequately secured properties face higher risks of theft, vandalism, and property damage. Securing your property translates to reduced maintenance expenses, fewer insurance claims, and ultimately, increased profitability.
To Enhance Occupant Safety:
Enhancing safety features on your property helps minimize risks and lowers the likelihood of incidents such as break-ins or accidents.
While upfront costs may be necessary when proactively securing your property, they are significantly smaller than potential expenses resulting from losses or injuries due to inadequate security measures at your rental.
To Aid in Reducing Vacancy Rates:
Security-conscious tenants actively seek rental units equipped with sufficient security measures. A safe and secure unit enhances its attractiveness, potentially reducing vacancies.
To Enhance Your Reputation:
Positive word-of-mouth spreads swiftly, attracting qualified tenants and distinguishing you in a competitive rental market.
Implementing security measures offers peace of mind not only to tenants but also to you as a landlord. Taking proactive steps to safeguard your rental unit and tenants alleviates stress, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities. If managing everything seems overwhelming, collaborating with a property management professional can ease your workload, freeing up your time and energy for other tasks.
Are you considering outsourcing your property management? Streamline your efforts and ensure your focus remains on activities that grow your portfolio or impact your bottom line. Explore the benefits of hiring a property manager to delegate your landlord tasks.