There are two key features all tenants are looking for, features that could make or break your rental business: comfort and security. Assuming that you have covered the comfort part, it’s imperative to turn your attention to the security of the property and reevaluate the level of security you offer to your tenants. After all, this is one of the deal-breakers, as there is nothing that can deter long-term renter like a home that doesn’t feel safe.
Aside from personal safety, another reason to improve your security measures is to safeguard your belongings and the belongings of your guests. Here are the five key things you need to do in order to keep your rental property safe and sound.
Secure all possible entryways
Start by scrutinizing the property from the ground up in order to discover all entry points. You can begin with the front and back doors, and then work your way around the house to map out all windows, including those on the upper floors, and other possible entryways such as the garage door, or the little secluded window in the garage itself. The next step is to secure these points by making sure they can close properly and by giving each one a locking mechanism. You can install an internal lock on every window and a deadbolt system on the doors instead of a traditional handle mechanism. Consider putting window grates on the ground-floor windows, but make sure to choose visually-appealing models as this solution tends to deter burglars and tenants alike.
Rely on your property manager
There are many reasons why you would hire a property manager, the biggest one being that there will always be someone to look after the property and address the needs of your tenants in a timely manner. Having a property manager is oftentimes the only viable solution if your place of residence is far away from the rental itself. However, your property manager has another indispensable role to play here, and that is to keep the property and the tenants safe. Keeping a watchful eye on the premises means that they can quickly react to any disturbance, and notify the authorities at a moment’s notice.
Obtain adequate property coverage
One of the most important precautions every landlord and property owner should tend to is insurance. Obtaining the right kind of home insurance for your rental property will prove instrumental in minimizing damage costs and covering against theft should a break-in occur. With numerous types of home insurance quote packages on the market, it’s important that you find the right policy for your needs. Typically for rentals, this would be a comprehensive insurance policy that covers any damage done to the property, but also the value amount of the stolen goods. Within your policy, you should also aim to obtain coverage against environmental damage, and even vandalism due to civil unrest.
Combine surveillance with external lighting
Installing a surveillance system allows you to identify and catch the perpetrators, but also deter home invaders from even trying to venture inside. This level of security makes the property completely safe against intruders, and if you combine surveillance with motion sensor lighting, you can effectively prevent nighttime break-ins – which is when the majority of home invasions occur. Once the sensors are set up, they will allow the cameras to snap several photos of the suspect and even record video for the police to review later on. Modern systems are also integrated with smart technology that allows the tenant to monitor the premises from their smartphone, and notify the authorities quickly should they feel that a break-in is about to occur. This is also an excellent way for you to keep the property safe when the tenants are out.
Invest in a security system
Every home should have a security system in place that can immediately notify the authorities in case of an unlawful entry. This is one of the fastest ways to get first responders on the scene in as little time as possible, but it’s also one of the best ways to make your tenants feel safe at all times. It might be an investment, but the benefits will definitely justify the expense. Make sure that your security system includes door and window sensors, smoke alarms, and even motion sensor lighting. As a last and final upgrade, you can combine this system with digital surveillance.
When it comes to protecting your rental property, there can be no compromise. Not only will potential tenants feel safer and more willing to book their stay at your place, but you will also effectively safeguard your investment. Follow these tips and you will have no problem building a thriving rental business.
