Theft is a scary prospect for landlords and tenants alike. Beyond the loss of valuables and the hassle of replacing doors or locks, an intrusion compromises safety and violates a person’s feelings of protection and well-being in their home.  

So what security improvements will make a burglary less likely on your rental property? Here are some steps you can take as a landlord to make your unit as theft-proof as possible: 

• Equip your property with sturdy doors and solid deadbolt locks. 
• Keep exteriors well-lit and bushes and trees trimmed to minimize hiding places. 
• Consider adding a doorbell camera or other equipment to monitor unusual activity and identify anyone who tries to enter the unit. 
• Install motion-activated lights. These will provide an alert and may scare off trespassers. 
• Be on the lookout for potential security issues when performing routine inspections. 

In addition to having preventative security measures on your property, your tenants play a crucial role in keeping out unwanted intruders. Make sure your renters are knowledgeable about keeping their belongings safe, utilizing these suggestions: 

• Don’t broadcast (such as posting on social media) information that would make you a target for burglars, including details of upcoming trips or major purchases. 
• Whenever possible, keep all doors and windows locked and garage doors closed (if applicable). 
• Don’t leave a key in an easy-to-find place outside the door. 
• Store valuables in unexpected places or a safe rather than out in the open. 
• Deter prying eyes with closed blinds or privacy films on windows. 
• Make the space look occupied while away by putting the mail on hold, leaving lights on (ideally timed in an unpredictable pattern), asking a friend or neighbor to keep up with snow removal or trash collection, etc. 

While no safeguards can make a unit entirely theft-proof, a basic security plan combined with reasonable precautions will prevent your property from becoming an easy target for intruders. 

About Rentals America      

Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is wholly dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.