Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is vital. Although you should take the necessary steps, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your better efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With lots of homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s important to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When confronted with vandalism, it’s normal to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while encouraging your frustrated tenant. On the other hand, strengthening yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you recover control and make the recovery process more manageable and simple.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s vital to contact the local authorities and make or file a police report. Conceding 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 primal. Take a photo of every circumstance of vandalism, as insurance companies mostly 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 in charge of repairs. It’s necessary to involve your insurance company when the damage happens. Make sure that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it occurs. You shall cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can inevitably affect tenants, provoking physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is jeopardized. It is weighty to provide reassurance to tenants and noticeably display 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 think about installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
In addition, furnishing bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with solid deadbolts can crucially improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Northern Arizona, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Fort Mohave and nearby. We can deal with the documentation and recovery procedure for you and see to it your property is refurnished in a tragic event. Want to know more? Please contact us online or call us at 928-757-7368 for details. tails.
Originally Published on December 14, 2018
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