4 Ways Landlords Can Increase Security At A Residential Property
If you're a new landlord dealing with high turnover rates, you might be wondering what steps you can take to reduce those turnover rates, get tenants to stick around longer, and make more money in the process. One key factor to keeping tenants around is making sure they feel safe; specifically, there are a few steps landlords may want to take to bolster security around a rental community. Doing so will not only reduce turnover, but could save you on your property insurance as well.
Add and Replace Locks
Go above and beyond when it comes to security by installing not only traditional door locks, but deadbolt locks as well. You can also reduce instances of accidental lockouts by installing unit door locks that have to be locked from the outside. Whenever a tenant moves out of a unit, make sure to change the locks before a new tenant moves in--even if the previous tenant turned in their keys.
Hire Security or a Live-In Officer
Another option for boosting security is to hire a dedicated security company to work on-site during certain hours, or even 24/7. You may even consider speaking with the local police department about hiring a live-in officer, who you can provide with free housing in exchange for assistance in keeping the community safe through regular patrolling and handling nuisances.
Ensure Proper Lighting
One of the best ways to deter criminals from entering your rental community is to make it as unattractive to them as possible. Criminals prefer darker areas where they will be less likely to be seen committing a crime, so make sure your entire community is well-lit. Have your maintenance crew check for burnt-out light bulbs throughout the community and replace them as soon as possible. Encourage tenants to report potential security problems (such as a hole in a fence or a broken door lock) to maintenance immediately.
Make it a Gated Community
Finally, if you haven't done so already, consider providing your tenants a gated community that requires a code, key card, or sign-in with a security booth to enter the premises. This is a great way to keep criminals out and give your tenants a better sense of security in the process.
These are just a few ways in which landlords can boost security on their properties and reduce turnover as a result. Be sure to give some or all of these tips a try for yourself. Visit Rahn's Best Lock Service for more information about security.
