Once known as a luxury, security systems are quickly becoming prevalent for residences of all sizes. This growing trend has several Fells Point rental property owners curious if they should install security systems in their properties, too. Unlike older, high-cost security systems, new technologies have created efficient, low-cost options for residential property owners. Yet, does your property need a security system? To clear this up, it’s necessary first to understand both the pros and cons of installing one.
Going by the numbers, you will be amazed at how common burglaries are in your vicinity. Statistics show that home burglary is happening every 13 seconds in the U.S. – that’s nearly 6,000 home burglaries per day. And contrary to popular opinion, 59% of these burglaries happen during the day, when the residents are away at work.
Obviously, crime rates vary from location to location and even from one neighborhood to the next. Some locations have a relatively tiny amount of burglaries, while in others, they seem to happen regularly. Yet, it’s important to bear in mind that burglaries can and do happen even in “safe” neighborhoods. Just because there hasn’t been a recent burglary nearby does not mean that it couldn’t happen in the future. This is especially true in new or developing areas, where the population is increasing rapidly.
With just over 30% of homes in the U.S. with a security system, it’s worth taking a moment to evaluate if incorporating one into your rental property is suitable for you. One of the most important benefits of having a security system is the increased sense of security. Several burglaries involve some property damage, like broken windows and door locks. And the scary fact is that people are sometimes hurt or even killed during burglary attempts.
Having a security system might help you lower your insurance costs and attract and retain safety-conscious tenants. Countless landlord and renters insurance providers offer discounts for properties with a security system, which may help offset the cost of the system itself. Besides getting quality tenants, one of the reasons for this is that all types of home invasions often result not only in damage and the loss of personal property but of your tenant’s peace of mind as well. If you can offer your tenants the added measure of a security system, they will want to reside in your rental property. When a tenant feels safe, they are also more likely to do other things that help safeguard themselves and your property.
On the other hand, security systems do come with a few potential disadvantages as well. One of the main concerns for rental property owners is the cost. To install a security system, you’ll need to budget not only for the initial installation costs but also for monthly monitoring fees.
All in all, these costs can add up quickly. Unquestionably, there are less expensive options in home security systems at the moment. Yet, these inexpensive systems are often more vulnerable to theft. There is no guarantee that your tenant won’t try to take their video doorbell or other devices with them when they leave.
Lastly, it’s imperative to consider tenant privacy before attempting to install a security system. Some tenants may find the thought of security alarms or cameras invasive, especially if they don’t have control over what type of system it is or who might be monitoring it. The same thing is true for property owners who plan to pass the security system’s cost off to their tenants. Tenants may not want to pay for it or may even cancel monitoring services, which could affect your property as if you never installed the system in the first place.
Do you still have questions about the best security measures for your rental properties? We can help! Our Fells Point property management professionals have the information and expertise to make that decision easier. Contact us online or give us a call at 410-290-3285.
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