by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jun 4, 2019 | Property Management Company, Property Selection, Raleigh Property Management, Safety & Security, Tips for Landlords
As a landlord, one of your top priorities should be keeping your investment property secure. Firstly, so that your tenants feel safe and protected; and secondly, because a property that is constantly being robbed or vandalized might scare away potential tenants in the future.
While many safety measures are up to the tenants themselves (locking the doors, etc.), here are a few steps you can take as a property owner to protect your investment.
Install Solid Doors
Flimsy, cheap doors, or doors with a lot of windows, can easily be kicked or smashed in by unwanted guests. To make sure your property is as secure as possible, it’s a good idea to install thick wooden or metal doors at each entryway. Even though the tenant’s rental insurance will usually cover damages from a break-in, the money you spend on extra security will still be worth the hassle and worry.
Install Lighting and Cameras
Lighting up an outdoor area is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to deter intruders. It also helps your tenants feel safer on the property, and reduces the risk of tenants injuring themselves in the dark. Motion sensor lights are excellent deterrents which don’t use a lot of electricity. Adding surveillance cameras is also a good way to deter criminal activity.
Document All of Your Valuables
If you include furnishings with your investment property, then it is a good idea to have a detailed record of all the items in the building. If your property is broken into and something is stolen, this will make it easier to replace and claim it through your insurance. Document the manufacturer, model name, serial number, and color of each item, whenever possible. This also includes appliances.
Need More Property Management Tips?
If you need more tips and ideas on taking care of your investment property, or would like to invest in Raleigh property, call Barker Realty. With over 30 years of experience in the real estate investment industry, there are very few questions we can’t answer! To speak with one of our helpful associates, just give us a call.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Sep 28, 2018 | Landscaping & Grounds, Safety & Security, Tenant Management, Tips for Landlords
The Labor Day weekend offers many people one last opportunity to celebrate summer fun. Before the resumption of daily school schedules and the need to prepare for colder, blustery autumn weather, numerous households participate in friendly barbecues, large family gatherings, and pool side parties. Property managers in Cary, Apex, Raleigh and surrounding areas concerned about rental maintenance, may find this quick holiday checklist useful:
1. Prepare Recreational Facility Entrances in Advance
Do you anticipate a raucous end to summer rental maintenance with the arrival of numerous Labor Day guests? It makes sense to prepare for holiday celebrations at apartment complexes and trailer parks well in advance. Post property rules clearly at the entrance. If tenants can only admit a specific number of visitors, let everyone know in advance property managers expects to enforce those rules!
2. Supervise Pool Area Activities
Similarly, property managers in Cary need to ensure pool side area regulations also command a prominent, visible location. If your property requires everyone to adhere to basic safety guidelines (e.g. no running or rough horseplay beside the pool), post these rules clearly. Let tenants know about your overriding concern for safety. You’ll make your summer rental maintenance obligations much easier by ensuring everyone enjoys a happy, accident-free Labor Day Holiday.
3. Maintain a Clean Picnic Area
If tenants and their friends plan outdoor reunions at your site, make sure you mow the grounds surrounding the grill and picnic area before the holiday commences. Also ensure you’ve placed public trash cans for litter collection close at hand. Arrange to check the area from time to time if necessary to prevent overflowing garbage receptacles.
4. Respect “Quiet Hours”
Finally, let tenants know in advance you enforce facility rules relating to quiet hours. Other residents deserve consideration from noisy neighbors. The burden of enforcing these rules ultimately rests with you! By limiting noise levels after dark you’ll enjoy easier rental maintenance.
We hope you enjoyed our quick Labor Day tips for a peaceful and uneventful holiday for your investment properties or those you may manage.
