Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is integral. Even if you should take suitable measures, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your best efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With many homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s pivotal to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When accosted with vandalism, it’s realistic to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while simultaneously comforting your frustrated tenant. But certainly, arming yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you get back control and make the recovery process easier to manage.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s important 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 certain that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Comprehensive documentation of property damage is vital. Take a snapshot of every condition of vandalism, as insurance companies regularly require these records. If you can’t visit the property, regard 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 liable for repairs. It’s critical to involve your insurance company when the damage ensues. Make it a point that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it comes up. You are doomed to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can strongly leave a mark on tenants, inducing physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is totally compromised. It is seriously important to provide reassurance to tenants and pronouncedly 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 aim at securing safety. One of the best means to prevent vandalism and really make sure of the safety of your property is to look into installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
Aside from that, putting on bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with solid deadbolts can vitally improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Venture, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Athens and nearby. We can handle the whole documentation and recovery process for you and see to it that your property is properly restored in an unpleasant event. Want to glean more? Contact us online or call us at 256-693-5812 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.
