Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is so important. Even though you should take the needed steps, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your considerable efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With plenty of homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s critical to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When experiencing vandalism, it’s instinctual to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while, consequently, encouraging your frustrated tenant. Still, arming yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you effectively take back control and make the recovery process easily manageable.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s so important to contact the local authorities and quickly file a police report. Much as your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and ascertain that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Complete documentation of property damage is vital. Take a clear picture of every state of vandalism, as insurance companies most often require these records. If you can’t visit the property, contemplate on 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 held responsible for repairs. It’s very important to involve your insurance company when the damage occurs. Always make certain that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it certainly happens. You have to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can really impact tenants, bringing about physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is wrecked. It is essential to provide reassurance to tenants and openly show 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 fixate on safety. One excellent means to prevent vandalism and always make sure of the safety of your property is to seriously contemplate on installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
Likewise, outfitting bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with tight deadbolts can notably improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management Metro, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Ellicott City and nearby. We can work on the documentation and recovery process for you and make sure your property is rehabilitated in an unfortunate occurrence. Want to understand more? contact us online or call us at 443-718-9832 for details.
Originally Published on December 14, 2018
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