Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is salient. While it is true that you should take the required measures, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your honest efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With several homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s substantial to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When confronted with vandalism, it’s reasonable to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while comforting your frustrated tenant. Nevertheless, endowing yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can hugely help you regain control and make the recovery process more manageable and easier.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s important to contact the local authorities and file a police report as soon as you can. Even as your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and make certain that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Clear and detailed documentation of property damage is beneficial. Snap a photo of every state of vandalism, as insurance companies naturally require these records. If you can’t visit the property, deem 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 calling the shots for repairs. It’s principally important to involve your insurance company when the damage transpires. Always see to it that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it happens. You will be bound to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can vastly impact tenants, activating physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is put at risk. It is significant to provide reassurance to tenants and 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 focus on safety. One efficient way to prevent vandalism and give importance to the safety of your property is to take on installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
Furthermore, outfitting bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with rock-solid deadbolts can fundamentally improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Sterling, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Essex and nearby. We can settle the documentation and recovery process for you and establish your property is restored in a regrettable event. Want to understand more? Contact us online or call us at 802-861-6468 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.
