Break-ins can happen anywhere and landlords can feel the extra strain of this concern when they are renting out their property. Landlords and tenants can take precautions to ward off burglars, such as upgrading window locks, lighting up the exterior, and installing a home security system. Here are a few tips for landlords to help in preventing break-ins.
While expensive, home security systems are the most effective prevention for theft. There are various options for these; some offer an alarm when the entrance is breached, while others are silent, but notify the police when activated.
When you get a new tenant in your property, check all of the window locks by testing them. If they don’t work, it makes it easier for a burglar to get in.
This is the time to repair the lock if it’s not secure. You could even consider installing another lock system, such as one that allows the windows to only open a few inches or adding strength to the existing locks.
Make sure all exterior doors have secure locks. A deadbolt lock is one of the best types of security for your doors. If you have a cheap or hollow door, you may want to replace it with a solid door. Burglars will struggle to break it down.
Burglars are not likely to try to break into a property that has bright lights at the entrance. They prefer a dark and shaded area to avoid getting caught. Get flood lights, landscape lights, and motion sensor lights to scare off burglars.
Throw up signs on your property windows that look like security decals. A burglar will see this and think there is a security system installed. In addition, consider a “beware of dog” sign on the fence to scare off burglars.
Take a look at your trees, plants, and shrubs. If they are tall and bushy, this is a great hiding spot for burglars. Eliminating these or pruning them will discourage burglars from hiding outside your property.
Use these tips to help lessen the chance of a burglar trying to break into the home you’re renting out to tenants. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but also provide another selling point for your new tenants.