There are several essential steps to take to secure a rental property. Some of these include screening potential tenants and installing security bars and peepholes. You should also install deadbolt locks on your entry and exit doors. This will make it harder for criminals to break in. Alternatively, you can install chain locks on your apartment doors, allowing tenants to unlock them themselves.
Screening potential tenants
Screening prospective tenants can protect your rental property from several potential problems. Landlords generally want tenants who consistently pay their rent on time, treat their units with care, and be trouble-free neighbors. However, different landlords have different criteria for screening potential tenants. While you can use any screening criteria to determine if a prospective tenant is a good fit for your rental property, it is crucial to be consistent in your screening process.
One of the most important things you can do to screen potential tenants is to perform a background check. This will reveal any problems a potential tenant has had with previous landlords. It will also let you know if the applicant has a history of skipping rent and destroying property. Before signing a lease, collect the renter’s photo ID and make a copy.
You can hire a tenant screening company to conduct a comprehensive background check on prospective renters. These services will check their credit, criminal, and employment history. You can also ask them to provide references. The costs may be higher, but this extra step can give you peace of mind.
Screening potential tenants is easy, and you can use a free online tenant screening service to speed up the process. You’ll be able to review their rental payment history and perform a criminal background check with one click. In addition, you can use property management software that will take care of all the paperwork.
Installing security bars
While installing security bars may seem simple, someone should only do this with appropriate training and experience. In addition to installing the bars, ensuring they are installed properly is crucial to compliance with local housing codes. Improper placement can result in an inability to escape in case of fire or break-in, so only hire a professional.
Security bars, also known as burglar bars, are metal bars installed in windows. They are most effective on the ground and basement-level windows. These bars are a one-time investment that will add a layer of protection to your property. There are many security bars to choose from, so it is essential to select the ones that best meet your needs. Some burglar bars include a fire escape mechanism to protect occupants in case of a fire.
If you live in an area where burglars commonly break into rental properties, you should take additional steps to ensure their safety. Installing a lock is crucial because eight out of ten burglars will access the property via a window. This means all windows must have functioning locks and a functional fire escape. You can also consider installing security bars on the windows of your rental property.
While installing security bars is an excellent way to increase the safety of your rental property, it is essential to remember that you’re still leasing the parcel from your landlord. Depending on where you live, you might have to get permission from your landlord to install these bars in your rental property. Also, make sure you know the local laws regarding burglar bars, as they may restrict their placement or even prevent them from being installed on your property.
Installing smart doorbells
Installing smart doorbells in your rental property can improve your tenants’ convenience and security. These devices will alert your smartphone whenever there is movement outside your property. They also let your tenants see and speak to visitors without opening the door. Not only will this increase security for your property, but it will also boost your rental demand.
These devices can record visitors and package deliveries. They can also send alerts to your smartphone if there is suspicious activity. Some intelligent doorbells even have night vision. However, you should make sure that you check the policies of your building before installing any security devices. Some rental properties do not allow video doorbells.
If you want to install intelligent doorbells in your rental property, you must ensure that the tenants will be willing to pay more for these devices. The benefits are worth the cost. These devices are easy to install and promise sharp video quality. In addition, they also let you monitor recorded video. Nevertheless, you will need a subscription plan to use them efficiently.
Before installing a smart video doorbell, you must consult your landlord to ensure the safety of your rental property. You must also consider the privacy of your neighbors. Most landlords don’t mind the installation of video doorbells, but you should make sure you get permission first.
Installing peepholes
Peepholes are a standard security feature for rental property. Installing them is a quick and easy project. You can even order your peepholes online from Peephole Depot. It will take less than 30 minutes to install one. Use the right height for your door to ensure the peephole is installed correctly.
Another way to secure a rental property is to install locks. Adding deadbolts to your doors makes them more challenging to break into. Also, using solid instead of glass doors makes them less likely to be broken into. Peepholes allow tenants to see who is outside without opening the door. Peepholes can also be installed on the windows of rental units.
While there are several types of peephole cameras, you should consider which one best suits your needs. Some cameras have night vision and can be angled for maximum visibility. Others are less expensive but will provide adequate clearance. It is essential to consider the type of peephole camera you purchase, as high-resolution video resolution does not mean the quality of the video.
Some door peephole cameras have a built-in screen, unlike the average peephole viewer. Some of these cameras will only record still images or not record video at all. Other options are designed to look like a regular peephole or a larger house with a doorbell.
Installing security cameras
Installing security cameras to secure a rental apartment or property can help protect the property. Many of the newer cameras also record audio. This allows the landlord to see what is happening inside the property even if they are not there. Some states require a consent form before the installation of surveillance cameras.
Before installing security cameras, determine the best locations for the cameras. They should be placed in areas where they will be easily seen. Once installed, test the cameras to ensure they are working and have the proper access controls. If possible, choose security cameras with built-in lights or night vision, as they can help deter criminals during the daytime and provide clear images in the dark.
Installing security cameras in rental properties will help protect the property from theft and other unwanted activity. The footage captured by the cameras can help prevent thefts by unwelcome guests or janitorial employees. Installing cameras on the porch can also deter porch pirates. It is also a great way to monitor tenants and their property.
When installing security cameras in a rental property, it is essential to be aware of the rules surrounding the cameras. The cameras must be visible to tenants, and the tenants should be informed that the cameras are installed. Besides displaying the security cameras on the exterior of the rental property, landlords should also post a notice on the lease agreement to let tenants know about the surveillance. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the cameras only record their apartment and not their neighbor’s.
Having a good credit history
It’s essential to have a good credit history when renting a rental property. However, if you have less-than-perfect credit, you may still be able to get a rental property with the help of a roommate. In this case, landlords may check the roommate’s glory, but this is optional. If you can show the landlord references or letters of recommendation, you can avoid a credit check. In addition, some landlords do not report rental payments to credit bureaus. However, you should ensure you pay your rent on time to avoid stressing out your co-signer.
Most landlords look for tenants with a credit score of 650 or higher. If you have a lower credit score, the landlord is unlikely to approve you, but if you can show the landlord that you are financially stable, they may be willing to consider your application. However, it would help if you remembered that the credit scores range differs among the major credit reporting agencies. Hence, it’s essential, to be honest with your landlord about your credit score and any previous credit problems.
Keeping your credit history clean is essential because lousy credit makes you look risky to landlords. However, bad credit can be improved by following some simple guidelines. You should pay your rent on time and a larger deposit if you have poor credit. Also, you should contact your previous landlords and ask for references from them. This will help the landlord know that you are serious about paying your rent on time.
