Your home should be a safe haven for you and your family. This is true whether you are a homeowner or a renter. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to provide a safe place for your tenants to call home. At Real Property Management Hamden, CT, we’ve found that there’s more to building a safe home than locks on the door. Here, we’ve provided some practical and tangible ways you and your tenants can work together to build, not only a safe home, but a safer neighborhood.
It’s What’s on the Inside that Counts
Before your tenant signs the leasing agreement, you should make sure that every necessary safety measure has been taken into account. One of the first things you will need to do is change the locks on all doors leading to the exterior of the home. In most cities, this is required by law when tenants move into their new rental home. Landlords should also repair or replace any damaged windows and screens. Make sure the home is equipped with fire, smoke, and carbon dioxide detectors and ensure that they are all in working order with fresh batteries. Providing a list of all local emergency agencies or neighborhood watch groups to the tenant at the lease signing is also recommended by many rental property management companies. Landlords may also want to consider installing security systems that link to local police and fire departments. This recommendation serves a dual purpose: peace of mind for the tenant and as an additional line of security between vacancies for the landlord. Remember, safety isn’t a place you want to cut corners, because you may have someone’s life in your hands.
Complete Outside Safety
Walking around the outside of your unit can quickly give you an idea as to where your property may need some safety fixes. Any overgrown landscaping can be a perfect place for burglars to conceal themselves, and they should be taken care of immediately. Cutting back overgrown shrubs and cleaning up landscaping around a home not only looks nicer, but also makes the outside of your home safer from lurking burglars and potential accidents.
At Real Property Management Hamden, CT, we will make sure that there is adequate outside lighting as a good deterrent for potential lurkers. Breezeways, garages, back porches, and patios should all have proper exterior lighting. Motion sensor lights are recommended for these outside areas as they give a quick flash of light when coming into a dark corner. Other safety issues to consider outside are stairways or paths that need repairs – you could face a lawsuit if you don’t make changes promptly. Rain gutters and drains should be kept clear and functioning properly as well to avoid problems. Be diligent to make your rental safe by eliminating exposed electrical wires, as well as tripping hazards and items protruding from the ground. Seeking advice from trusted rental property management companies, Hamden landlords know they can complete their outdoor safety checks with confidence.
Routine Safety Checks
Maintaining a property is an ongoing job for our management team. Our routine maintenance services include regularly scheduled safety reviews, which are discussed at the time of lease signing. Tenants will know that you have a professional ready to address any concern and your proactive attitude towards the safety measures will build a positive rapport between you and your tenants. Having an experienced team of property managers working for you provides both peace of mind for everyone.
Encourage Tenants to Know Their Neighbors
Nextdoor, a social networking services for residents to discover their local communities, conducted a survey on the state of the American neighborhood and studied how the simple act of getting to know your neighbors makes your community safer. Did you know that ⅓ of Americans don’t know their neighbors? When neighbors get to know each other, they are more likely to be watchful, not only of their property but of their neighbor’s home. This mutual concern builds safer neighborhoods. That’s why our Real Property Management Hamden, CT, team encourages both landlords and tenants to get to know their neighbors. As tenants are get involved in the community, they help foster a safer environment for your investment property.
The Impact of a Nice Neighbors
On average, 60% of people leaving town don’t take the necessary precautions to secure their property. For rental properties, not knowing your neighbors means they are less inclined to keep an eye out for your properties while tenants are away. Here are statistics of common behaviors that put your tenant and property at risk:
- 38 percent of people don’t tell a neighbor that they are leaving
- 12 percent allow their mailbox to overflow
- 10 percent make social media announcements about their travels
- 8 percent don’t take the time to ensure their windows and doors are locked before leaving
When homeowners and tenants get to know their neighbors, it helps build safer conditions for the property when residents are out of town. Your neighbor may be more willing to hold your mail for you until you are back and keep an eye on the property for suspicious activities. A neighbor may even be willing to care of pets, plants, and other household needs. You just need to get to know each other. Studies show that 72% of people feel confident that knowing their neighbors helps deter crime because neighbors with positive relationships are more inclined to watch out for suspicious activity at each other’s homes. Nearly half of people who do know their neighbors say this added safety measure keeps them from moving.
How our Real Property Management Hamden, CT, Team Can Help You
Entrusting the safety of your property to of one of the most reputable rental property management companies, Hamden, CT, has to offer, is not only an incredible investment, but it demonstrates to your commitment to providing the best rental experience for your tenants. When tenants feel liked their safety and security is a priority to you, they are more likely to stay as long-term renters. Real Property Management of Southern Connecticut is committed to prioritizing positive client relations. With over 25 years of experience, Real Property Management can help you maintain a safe property your tenants to enjoy, and protect your valuable investment. You can rest easy knowing that you have the support you need year-round. Call us today and see how we can best serve you!
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.
