Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is very important. While it is true that you should take basic measures, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your clever efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With quite a number of homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s critical to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When you encounter vandalism, it’s instinctive to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while, at the same time, encouraging your frustrated tenant. Even so, arming yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you retake control and make the recovery process very easy as well as manageable.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s important to contact the local authorities and immediately file a police report. Even as your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and check that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Extensive documentation of property damage is basically vital. Take a picture of every instance of vandalism, as insurance companies conventionally require these records. If you can’t visit the property, think about delegating this task to your tenant or property management company.
Address tenant concerns and maintain trust
If the vandalism is not caused by your renters or their guests, you are responsible for repairs. It’s important to involve your insurance company when the damage befalls. Make sure that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it actually happens. You will be bound to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can considerably affect tenants, triggering physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is detrimentally threatened. It is vital to provide reassurance to tenants and properly show efforts to restore the rental property and ensure their safety.
Enhance property security with lighting and alarms
As a rental property owner, it is crucial to focus on ensuring safety. One excellent way to prevent vandalism and determine the safety of your property is to go over installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
Together with that, adding bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with firm deadbolts can inherently improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Hartford Metro/Greater New London, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Waterford and nearby. We can take charge of the documentation and recovery approach for you and make certain your property is rehabilitated in an unfortunate incident. Want to find out more? contact us online or call us at 860-316-4388 for details.
Originally Published on December 14, 2018
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