Being a landlord comes with numerous responsibilities that you need to take care of before your new tenants move in. Aside from dealing with the necessary repairs and updates, you need to implement certain security and safety measures. Enhancing the security and safety of your property is an essential step that will help you both protect your tenants and safeguard your property against possible damages and intruders.
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Equipping your property with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will also keep your tenants safe. You should install smoke detectors and CO alarms in the hallways, bedrooms and kitchens on each floor. In addition, you should test, check and clean them regularly to make sure that they are functioning.
A Reliable Security System
If your rental property doesn’t already have a security system, you should definitely install one. You can find a range of different options and, owing to tech advancements, most of the modern systems are now easy to install. You can opt for a wireless system, introduce security cameras or provide your tenants with a webcam device so that they can monitor their dwelling while they’re away. Once you’ve had a security system installed, it’s essential that you show your new tenants how it works. Having your own master code can be helpful in different situations, such as emergencies, if your tenants forget their access code, etc.
Adequate Insurance
Applying for an insurance policy is a vital step that will protect your property. However, you need to pick an adequate policy specifically tailored to your needs. Thus, you should apply for a comprehensive landlord insurance that will provide you with some specific benefits. For instance, this type of insurance can cover your property for extreme weather conditions, as well as the loss of rent in the case of certain insured events. A comprehensive policy will also ensure your property in the case of different events, ranging from natural disasters to legal liabilities. Thus, take some time to find a policy that meets your needs.
Secured Doors and Windows
Securing the entrances is another important step that will help you increase your property’s security levels. First of all, you should avoid using glass doors and pick those made of solid materials, such as wood or steel. You should further secure the doors by installing deadbolt locks and/or chain locks. It’s also advisable that you install an intercom system, especially if you own a multifamily property. This way, your tenants will be able to choose whether they’ll let someone in or not.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t forget about securing the windows, too, especially those on the ground or first floor. You should install locks on all the windows while security bars can be installed on those on the ground floor.
A Thorough Inspection of Your Systems
The safety of your tenants doesn’t depend solely on your property’s security levels, but also on the proper functioning of different systems. Therefore, you need to perform a thorough audit of your electrical and HVAC systems and remove any possible issues. Electrical problems are a major hazard because they may start a fire, so it’s essential that you hire an experienced and reliable electrician to fix them. The HVAC system and furnace also need to function properly in order to minimize the risk of a fire. You should also keep in mind that your rental property is your investment and that any hidden problems may damage it. Thus, you should also check your plumbing for any leaks or clogged pipes. This will help you prevent more serious damages or even home floods.
Proper Interior and Exterior Lighting
Illuminating your property adequately is one of the easiest ways to deter intruders since they won’t feel comfortable breaking in while being under the spotlight. Thus, you should consider installing motion sensor outdoor lighting, especially around your entrances and dark passages. You also need to properly illuminate your hallways and stairways and consider leaving these lights always on. In addition, you should never postpone replacing burnt-out bulbs.
Emergency Contacts and An Evacuation Plan
In the case of emergencies, your tenants should know how to leave the building properly. Thus, you need to create a solid evacuation plan and make sure that all of you tenants have a copy. You also need to provide them with emergency numbers, especially if they’ve just moved from another country. If you own a multifamily property, you should also post a list of emergency numbers in a common area.
By implementing safety and security measures, you’ll protect both your tenants and your property against intruders, natural disasters, and other safety hazards.
Author Bio: Cooper Klein is an entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing, based in Sydney. He’s interested in business and home decor. In order to spend more time with his family, Cooper decided to take a break, and he’s currently working from home as a blogger and a business consultant.
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