Tips to Keep Your Investment Property Safe
As a landlord, you need to make sure your rental property is well maintained and secure for it to consistently generate income.
Keeping your property safe doesn’t just protect you and your investment, but also your tenants. Tenants want to feel comfortable and have peace of mind in their home. Security can also motivate them to renew their lease, giving you consistent cash flow.
Our team at Dawson Property Management has outlined some tips to keep your investment property safe and in extension help your business become profitable.
Use an Advanced Security System
Prioritize your tenant’s comfort and safety by installing smart locks or other modern security systems. The latest technologies are easy to install and monitor even if you don’t live near the area of your property. Using state-of-the-art technology can also be a selling point for prospective renters.
When installing a security system, take note of these guidelines:
- Ensure to schedule regular testing of these security systems to make sure they’re working properly and guarantee your renter’s safety.
- Provide clear check-in instructions to your tenants so they can get inside the house smoothly.
- Keep a master code that you can use when emergencies arise. This is a separate code from what tenants use and must only be used when necessary.
Secure the External Doors
Most burglars use external doors as their point of entry into a home. Enhance safety by installing a door with heavy duty or solid material. Add deadbolt locks to doors to improve security and give your renter’s peace of mind during their tenancy.
Ensuring all entry points of the premises are secure can help reduce your insurance premiums. Talk to your insurance agent and see if they provide discounts for added security measures. Any money you save on insurance can go towards necessary property maintenance and renovations.
Keep the Windows Locked
Especially during summer, tenants like opening windows to air out their space. However, this can also provide easy access for intruders.
In addition to screen doors, you can add window locks to make it difficult for burglars to get inside your property. Locks will prevent anyone from opening the windows from the outside.
Eliminate Blind Spots
While plants, trees and bushes can improve your rental property’s curb appeal, they can also be a perfect hiding place for intruders. If you don’t want to remove them altogether, you can always schedule landscaping instead.
Consult and hire the services of a landscape specialist to maintain the exterior appeal of your property and eliminate possible hiding spots.
Keep Your Property Well Lit
What better way to expose trespassers than having high-quality lighting. Installing motion detector lights is a good idea, especially on stairs and blind spots. Movement activates the lights, which can help prevent burglars from getting inside your rental property.
Installing lights outside your rental home will make it easier for your tenants to see at night and discourage theft.
Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Conducting a thorough screening process can help in securing and protecting your investment property. We suggest checking a prospective tenant's criminal history and eviction history before renting to them.
Filling your property is essential to maintain your passive income flow, as well as eliminating risk.
A vacant property is at a higher risk for break-ins, not to mention all the money you lose.
Follow a Maintenance Schedule
Regular property maintenance makes sure all systems in place are working as expected. This can help your tenants feel secure living in your home and can encourage long-term tenancies.
Document Household Items and Assets
Keeping a record of the furniture, appliances and other items in your rental property can make it easier to file a claim if something goes missing. Be specific with your documentation by including a picture of the item and describing the name, manufacturer, serial number, model, type and color of the item.
You can include this in your move-in and move-out checklists. The more detailed the documentation, the more easily you can spot what’s missing in the house.
Get your Property Insured
Getting the right insurance can protect the assets of your rental property. Upgrading your security systems can help you save on premiums or get discounts.
As an investor, insurance gives you an added layer of security and peace of mind as any stolen or damaged belongings will be covered.
Partner with a Property Manager
When you have a professional property manager overseeing the daily operations of your investment properties, they'll take care of property upkeep as part of building a professional relationship with tenants. Property managers will help your tenants feel comfortable and safe in your rental unit.
Not only that, but Dawson Property Management will also market your property, screen tenants, create and enforce the lease agreement, prevent holdover tenants, conduct property maintenance and repairs, collect rent promptly and detail financial reports.
With the help of our property management team, you’ll have the time and freedom to attend to your other investments or responsibilities.
Bottom Line: Keeping Your Investment Property Safe
Not only does scheduling a security check and upgrading the security of your property attract long-term renters, but it also helps you preserve your investment property. Your tenants also have the right to live in a comfortable and secure space.
Follow the guidelines in this article when maintaining your property and you’ll minimize any crime as well as your renter’s worry. Still have questions? Contact
Dawson Property Management if you have any property management related questions or concerns today! You can reach us by dialing (704) 438-9834.
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