Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is imperative. Even while you should take the necessary steps, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your great efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With lots of homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s so important to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When dealing with vandalism, it’s customary to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while soothing your frustrated tenant. On the other hand, fortifying yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you take back control and make the recovery process simpler.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s imperative to contact the local authorities and immediately file a police report. Despite that your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and make it a point that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Detailed documentation of property damage is primarily critical. Take a photograph of every occurrence of vandalism, as insurance companies, in general, require these records. If you can’t visit the property, think of 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 actually responsible of repairs. It’s necessary to involve your insurance company when the damage appears. Make sure that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it unfolds. You certainly have to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can notably impact tenants, generating physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is greatly threatened. It is weighty to provide reassurance to tenants and manifest 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 concentrate on safety. One appropriate way to prevent vandalism and always make sure of the safety of your property is to try installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
In addition, putting up bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with solid deadbolts can hugely improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Focus, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Anna and nearby. We can administer the documentation and recovery process for you and see to it your property is remodeled in an unwanted event. Want to check out more? Contact us online or call us at 773-443-7439 today!
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.
