The Quick Version: Protecting rental property from vandalism requires both preparation and prompt response. Key actions include: immediately filing a detailed police report and documenting all damage (photos) for insurance; quickly addressing tenant concerns to maintain trust; enhancing security with alarms, motion lighting, and deadbolts; and applying specific, highly visible measures (like frequent checks and concealment) for vacant properties, which are the most vulnerable targets. Consulting professionals is recommended to ensure complete recovery and security.
Addressing Vacancy Vulnerability
Vacant investment properties are prime targets for vandals because there is no visible occupancy or regular activity to deter them. If a property is between tenants, you need to implement specialized security measures beyond standard procedures. First, work to make the property appear occupied: utilize timers for indoor lights, ensure the lawn is regularly maintained, and halt mail/delivery services to prevent overflow. Second, consider installing temporary security cameras that are visible from the street, or, in higher-risk areas, board up vulnerable ground-level windows. Finally, increase the frequency of property checks, ideally daily or every other day, by either yourself or your property manager. Rapid detection and response to a security breach is crucial to minimizing damage and loss.
Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is significant. Allowing that you should take appropriate actions, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your reasonable efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With various homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s crucial to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When accosted with vandalism, it’s typical to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while concurrently comforting your frustrated tenant. Simultaneously, uplifting yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you easily reclaim control and make the recovery process more smooth and manageable.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s significant to contact the local authorities and promptly file a police report. While it is true that your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and really make sure that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Full-scale documentation of property damage is important. Get a photo of every happening of vandalism, as insurance companies typically require these records. If you can’t visit the property, think about delegating this task to your tenant or property management company.
Address tenant concerns and maintain trust
If the vandalism is not caused by your renters or their guests, you are taking care of the responsibilities for repairs. It’s significant to involve your insurance company when the damage actualizes. Always make sure that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it occurs. You have to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can essentially affect tenants, leading to physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is impaired. It is essential to provide reassurance to tenants and clearly depict efforts to restore the rental property and ensure their safety.
Enhance property security with lighting and alarms
As a rental property owner, it is crucial to be concerned with safety. One incredibly effective way to prevent vandalism and see to the safety of your property is to examine installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can use.
Additionally, providing bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with heavy-duty deadbolts can inevitably improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management of the Triad, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Winston-Salem and nearby. We can tackle the documentation and recovery undertaking for you and warrant your property is spruced up in an unfortunate circumstance. Want to really know more? Contact us online or call us at 336-355-6666 today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
