Imagine coming home from your vacation feeling relaxed and refreshed only to discover your home was broken into. Unfortunately this scenario happens all too often to homeowners and renters alike. Millions of break-ins happen each year in the United States, but there are steps you can take to protect your home and your valuables. Before you go on that spring break trip or summer vacation make sure you protect yourself with the eight tips listed below. If you’re a landlord, Real Property Management Southern Connecticut, the top Fairfield residential property management company, can help you communicate with your renters about the best ways to implement these safety steps.
- Install a Security System. These days there are many options for security systems. There are the traditional alarm systems which require a monthly fee for monitoring. These systems usually include door and window alarms that trigger a call to the company or police if set off. If you or your tenant don’t want to pay a monthly fee, you can consider installing a camera system. Doorbell cameras and indoor/outdoor motion detection cameras are readily available. Many sync with your smartphone and will alert you if they sense motion or if the temperature goes above or below a preset threshold. If you are a renter and want to install a security system contact your Fairfield residential property management first for help.
- Don’t Leave a Spare Key. A spare key under the mat, beneath a flowerpot, or elsewhere outside your home can seem like a good idea at the time. If you lock yourself out of your house, what better way to get in than simply lifting the mat and grabbing your key? This trick is so common that it is the first thing many thieves look for when they’re breaking in. Many homeowners and renters don’t even realize they’re giving thieves an easy way in. Stay safe by leaving your keys in a secure spot that is not outside your home.
- Stay Off Social Media. Posting photos or other information about your vacation while you’re still gone can be dangerous. Unless you set your profile to private and thoroughly screen every follower you probably don’t know everyone who will see your info. Posting a photo of the Eiffel Tower with a caption that says “my home for the next two weeks” lets everyone know your real home is vacant. Your residential property management in Fairfield doesn’t want you to think you should never post vacation pictures, just try to save them to share when you get home.
- Stop Your Mail. These days most important documents can be paperless. But, even if you only get advertisements and the occasional birthday party invitation through the mail it is still important to ask the post office to hold your mail while you’re gone. Mail hanging out of your box is an instant signal to thieves that no one is home to pick it up. If you will be gone for more than 30 days consider getting your mail forwarded to the address you will be at, or to a trusted friend or family member.
- Disconnect Your Garage Door. To keep your home safe and secure, Fairfield residential property management companies recommend unplugging your garage door. Some thieves carry universal garage door remotes and can access your home that way. Even if you lock the door between your house and garage, the thief can steal garage items and easily force their way into the house. They can even park their car in the garage while they load up your valuables out of your neighbors view.
- Time Your Lights. Lights turning on inside or outside your home signals that someone is there, and most thieves won’t bother double-checking to see if they are timed lights. Outdoor flood lights often have built-in light sensors and will automatically turn on at sunset. Light timers can be added to your indoor or outdoor lights, are readily available, and inexpensive. You can even time lights to go on and off at different times giving the appearance that someone is moving about your home.
- Stop Newspapers and Package Deliveries. Nothing says “no one is home” like newspapers piling up on your front lawn. If you get a daily or weekly newspaper delivery, be sure to put a stop to it before you leave town. If you are unable to stop the newspapers consider asking a neighbor to grab yours.
- Ask for Help or Hire a Housesitter. The final tip from your Fairfield residential property management company is to ask for help. If you will be gone for a week or less you can ask a trusted neighbor or friend to drive by your home and pick up mail and newspapers. If you are planning a longer vacation it is often worth the cost to hire a housesitter. You can ask around to see if any friends are willing to sit, or go through a service.
Protect your rental property 24/7 by hiring the top property management company in the Fairfield area. Real Property Management Southern Connecticut has over 25 years of experience managing rental homes. To get started with a free estimate, call today!
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