Whether you own a short-term or long-term rental property, you may have realized that it can be challenging to ensure its security. While you can go to any lengths, you wish to secure your own home, as a landlord, you must consider the privacy and comfort of your tenants while also making sure that they and their belongings stay safe. To help provide your tenants safety from burglaries and other crimes that could bring them harm, we’ve put together these seven practical ideas for securing your rental property:
- Hire a property manager
If you want to cut down on your stress as a landlord, one of the best things you can do is hire a property manager. Along with helping you increase the rental’s profitability, screen tenants and collect rent, a good property manager will also help you watch over your property. Plus, they will help you get the best price for maintenance, contractors, and other vendors.
- Work with your rental company
Whichever methods you choose to secure your rental property for tenants, you’ll want to make sure the rental platform you advertise with is aware of these measures to help you stay on top of them. Turnkey reminds the Fort Lauderdale area is a hot spot for vacationers due to its Venice-like waterway system known as The Isles, as well as an array of attractions, including the Tortuga Music Festival and the International Boat Show. Visitors who decide to stay in a rental in the city aren’t just looking for convenient access to their attractions of choice; they want (and needing) to stay in a rental that’s as secure as possible.
- Make sure you have quality doors and locks
When it comes to taking measures to secure your rental property, it’s important to start at the main entrances. Check the quality of the doors and locks, and replace them if necessary. For instance, hollow doors, manufactured wood doors, and doors with windows can all be broken into fairly easily. Opt for solid wood, steel, or fiberglass doors instead. Also, install double-cylinder deadbolts on all the doors.
- Make sure you have quality windows
As with the doors, you want to make sure all the windows of the rental property are high-quality and in good condition. For example, if the windows are 30 years old, it’s likely that they are weak in one area or another and vulnerable to break-ins. Make sure the frames of the windows are sturdy and make sure all the locking mechanisms work well. Consider replacing any windows that are in poor condition or that can’t be reinforced.
- Add accessories to the doors and windows
If you don’t have the budget for new doors and windows, you can add accessories to reinforce them. For example, barricades, security bars, and door jammers all can bolster door security, and they’re much cheaper than buying brand new doors. Likewise, you can install additional locks on your windows, as they can withstand a lot more force than the locking mechanisms that come with windows. Plus, many burglars will stop short of breaking in if they see window locks. Furthermore, adding window sensors will alert you anytime someone tampers with a window.
- Add motion-sensing lights outside
One of the quickest ways to deter a burglar is by installing motion-sensing lights to the exterior of the property—particularly at the main entrances. These lights are especially effective when used with a security camera, as it makes it easier to see that someone is approaching the property. Also, motion-sensing lights can help you save on electricity since they only come on when movement is detected.
- Install a security system
Finally, consider investing in a security system. These days, there are several systems to choose from that you can install yourself. Evaluate your needs and budget to get the right one, but make sure it has the essential features, such as motion-sensing lights, door and window sensors, and smoke/CO alarms. If you want to go the extra mile, you could pay for a monthly monitoring fee, which is usually offered for a reasonable price.
There are practical ways to secure your rental property and keep your tenants comfortable at the same time. Consider hiring a property manager, coordinate security measures with your rental company, and make sure you have quality doors and windows. If necessary, add additional security to the doors and windows, and install motion-sensing lights at your main entrances. Lastly, consider investing in a security system. Protecting your property from break-ins will not only keep your tenants safe, but it will also increase the likelihood of those tenants staying or coming back again
Tags :