Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is essenntial. Even while you should take relevant measures, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your proactive efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With considerable homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s smart to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When presented with vandalism, it’s unsurprising to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while consoling and encouraging your frustrated tenant. But, as a matter of fact, building yourself up with knowledge on responding to vandalism can effectively help you achieve control and make the recovery process easier to deal with.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s vital to contact the local authorities and quickly file a police report. Though your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and give it importance that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Full documentation of property damage is imperative. Get a picture of every instance of vandalism, as insurance companies commonly require these records. If you can’t visit the property, ponder on 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 the one responsible for dealing with repairs. It’s necessary to involve your insurance company when the damage ensues. Secure that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it comes up. You may have to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can certainly have an impact on tenants, bringing about physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is in peril. It is principally important to provide reassurance to tenants and explicitly demonstrate 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 prioritize your attention on safety. One effective manner to prevent vandalism and make sure of the safety of your property is to take into consideration installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can use.
Then, putting up bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with tough deadbolts can especially improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Innovation, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Douglaston and nearby. We can oversee the documentation and recovery process for you and always ensure your property is restored in an unfavorable circumstance. Want to actually learn more? contact us online or call us at 516-570-9275 for details.
Originally Published on December 14, 2018
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