There can only be so much you can do to safeguard your Fort Mohave investment properties from vandalism. Although it seems that no matter how much you try to make sure that you’ve covered all bases, there is still a loophole. With roughly 15% of homes targeted by vandals each year, it is likely that one or more of your rental homes may eventually be hit.
As soon as you’ve noticed your property has been victimized by vandalism, it can make you feel a sense of violation and frustration. Dealing with the authorities as well as your insurance company and trying to appease your equally upset renters, does not make things better for you as that can also be taxing. If you know what steps to take when vandals happen can help ease your frustrations and give you that boost of much-needed confidence to make the recovery process a bit easier.
It is important to contact the local authorities and file a police report as soon as you find out that there has been vandalism in your property. Your tenants may feel like they have to do something and call the police themselves, or they may attempt to call you to let you know and wait for you to take care of it. Either way, as the Fort Mohave property owner you should communicate with the investigating police officers and make sure that all property damage is documented in an official report.
You need to document the vandalism as it may be asked by your insurance company, taking photos of the damage would be an excellent way to do so. If you are not able to go to the property yourself right away, you might have your tenant or your property management company handle the documentation.
Except when the vandalism is caused by your renters or one of their guests, it will be part of your responsibility to make sure the much-needed restoration and renovation will be made. Working closely with your insurance company is an essential step in the process; they need to get involved as soon as the damage occurs. Even before vandalism occurs, it is a good idea to make sure that your landlord insurance policy covers this type of damage. If not, you may have to pay for the repairs yourself.
Lastly, vandalism can terrify a tenant; they leave not only physical damage but also feelings of fear or anxiety. Their sense of security has been disrupted, and they may need both reassurance from you that things will be taken care of as well as visible evidence that you or your property management company are working hard to restore both the rental property and their ability to live safely in it.
At Real Property Management Northern Arizona, one of our top priorities is keeping both your tenant and your rental property safe from vandalism and other preventable damage. But if vandals do make a mess, we will handle the entire documentation and recovery process for you and make sure that your property is restored as soon as possible. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or call us at 928-757-7368 for details. tails.
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.
