4 Tips to Keep Your Rental Property Safe

It's effortless to pay less attention to home security as a landlord, but it can still become costly if the home is broken into. Many states have laws that make the owner of the building liable for damages caused by theft. As a property owner, you should ensure your rental property is safe and secure since rental properties are often vulnerable to burglaries and theft. 

Those who rent are 85% more likely to experience home invasions than homeowners. This makes security a critical issue for those who own rental property. Properties with security systems are even safer since would-be thieves often check the property's security before breaking in. Therefore, properties that have no security systems are 300% more likely to experience theft.

Here are four tips to make your rental property safer. 

Secure Main Entrances

While most entrances have deadbolts installed, it is best to install the double-cylinder bolt for enhanced security. If you have your entry near any windows, these double-cylinder bolts will ensure a thief cannot reach through the window and open the door. You can also advise your tenants to use door jammers while inside their property as an additional security measure. 

If you evict a tenant, talk to a local locksmith service to ensure the locks are re-keyed. Also, solid wood or metal doors are ideal for people who intend to have tight security for their rental property compared to doors with windows or those made from hollow wood. 

Use Exterior Lighting

Most thieves take advantage of the dark of night, so if there is not adequate lighting at your rental property, it becomes more susceptible. Ensure you have additional lighting around your property, which improves safety and adds rental value to any prospective tenants. Add aesthetic outdoor lighting and motion-sensor lights at strategic places around the property. 

Burglars will hesitate to go near home with exterior lights installed since they do not want to risk sneaking around a property where they end up activating the lights. Some of these motion-sensor lights can be solar-powered, which keeps them working in a power outage. As soon as tenants notice the lights turn on, they can quickly find out what is happening and call for help, if need be.

Hire a Property Manager

Ensuring tenant satisfaction is paramount, but that can be hard to confirm if you do not live close to the property. In this case, you could hire a property manager who lives nearby or even lives on-site for larger complexes. That makes the property management work more effortless and deters thieves since there are 24/7 property management and monitoring on the premises.

You may also find it helpful to hire a property manager who can maintain your rental property, take care of any problems that arise, and even interview potential tenants. Property management can also help solve security incidents on your behalf and give tenants peace of mind.

Have an Insurance Policy 

The tips discussed here are useful but cannot fully ensure your rental property's protection and safety. Therefore, a home insurance policy is the best option if you want comprehensive coverage in any burglary or theft. You can find packages that cover both the property and personal assets and belongings of your tenants in the case of theft. Encourage your tenants to take out their own contents insurance for their personal belongings if your policy does not cover this.  

Provide a Safe Living Space for Tenants

Tenants should feel safe and secure in their property, and it is your responsibility as the rental property owner to provide a secure home. By investing in the right security solutions and having a reliable property manager, you can offer a safe and comfortable living space.