Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is substantial. Even if you should take the required steps, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your positive efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With plenty of homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s significant to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When accosted with vandalism, it’s predictable to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while consoling your frustrated tenant. But on the other hand, fortifying yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you easily take back control and make the recovery process more smooth and manageable.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s substantial to contact the local authorities and swiftly file a police report. Although your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and make sure that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Detailed documentation of property damage is necessary. Take a pic of everything affected with vandalism, as insurance companies usually require these records. If you can’t visit the property, just consider 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, of course, in charge of repairs. It’s substantial to involve your insurance company when the damage transpires. Guarantee that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it happens. You can expect to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can undoubtedly exert a negative impact on tenants, leading to physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is violated. It is critical to provide reassurance to tenants and certainly demostrate 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 lay stress on safety. One good means to prevent vandalism and completely make sure of the safety of your property is to take into account installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
On top of everything, putting together bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with durable deadbolts can vastly improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Colonial, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Raleigh and nearby. We can manage the documentation and recovery process for you and always make sure your property is fixed in an adverse event. Want to find out more? contact us online or call us at 540-595-7411 for details.
Originally Published on December 14, 2018
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