Extra safety measures are required when your property is vacant. Without anyone living there, you won’t know when a leak begins under a sink or an outlet starts smoking. When your property is vacant, keep it safe by:
How to Keep Your Rental Property Safe for You and Your Tenants
Arlington Realty • September 1, 2023
Safety is always a priority, whether you’re walking down a dark street or settling new tenants into your rental home. One of your most basic responsibilities as a landlord or a rental property investor is to provide a home that’s safe, habitable, and well-maintained. You want your tenants to be safe inside of your property and you also want them to understand how to protect themselves and their home when they’re not there.
Let’s talk about what you can do to make your rental home safe for you (it’s your investment) and for your tenants (it’s their home).
Safe Systems and Appliances
Tenants need to be safe inside your home, and that means all of your systems have to function correctly. You’ll want to do a complete inspection before your new tenants move in, so you know it’s ready for occupancy. Check the plumbing, the electrical system, the HVAC, and the roof. Everything needs to be intact, in good condition, and easily maintained throughout the tenancy. Test all of your appliances as well, and replace anything that’s old and deteriorating.
Security and Safety for Tenants and Your Investment
Once you know the property itself is safe, think about how you can keep tenants safe inside of that rental home. You might want to invest in an alarm system. Or, you could install a video doorbell. These are becoming increasingly popular, especially among people living in single-family homes. It gives your tenants an opportunity to see who is at the door before they open it. Residents can also track packages that are left there. They can download an app to follow the activity on their doorstep.
Some of these technologies are expensive, and you don’t necessarily have to pay for them yourself. If you install the equipment and then give your tenants the option to activate them, you’ve done your part and offered a plan that has shared responsibilities.
There are simpler measures you can take to keep your property and your tenants safe, too. Make sure there aren’t any overgrown shrubs or trees blocking windows and doors. You want tenants to clearly see who is outside. Good lighting is also important; make sure there’s a bright light in front of the front door. Keep all walkways and parking areas well-lit. Consider motion lights on garages, sheds, and driveways.
Vacant Arlington Rental Properties
- Conducting regular inspections. You need to get inside the home every now and then to make sure no one is squatting there and to ensure there isn’t any deferred maintenance needing your attention.
- Installing an alarm or a security system. This will often deter a burglar or a criminal from breaking and entering.
- Ensuring you have adequate insurance. Make sure your policy is up to date and if your investment will be vacant for 30 days or more, you may need a specific insurance policy that covers unoccupied homes.
- Quick leasing. Don’t leave your property vacant for too long. Get a qualified tenant in there as quickly as you can.
There’s a lot more you can do to keep your property and your Arlington tenants safe. If you’d like some additional advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Arlington Realty Property Management. We’d love to be your
property management resource.
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