Renting a property can be a lucrative investment to generate income as a landlord. However, part of protecting your building site or housing development asset should go to applying the right security measures.
Doing this will increase the safety of the area and can prevent unlawful activity from happening on your premises. These necessary security steps can be used for both vacant properties or those leasing new tenants.
Here’s how to enhance the security of your rental property.
Secure Windows And Doors
The first step to strengthen your security is to ensure your windows and doors are secure since they’re the main entry points to a rental property. If the building is still being constructed or unoccupied, the doors and windows are particularly vulnerable for break-ins.
Thus, since vacant properties are targets for criminal activity (view source), windows can be secured with window locks, interior security bars, and steel shutters to prevent them from being tampered with or smashed from the outside. Doors should ideally be made of hard and reinforced material such as steel, metal, or heavy wood that makes it difficult to break or budge through with force. Deadbolt locks can also be effective in keeping doors impenetrable and secured.
Implement Access Control
Controlling who has access to your rental property is an important security detail. This ensures that only authorized personnel can enter places they’re permitted based on their roles. For instance, property managers and security guards can be given access to the full property, while construction workers and prospective tenants viewing the site are zone-restricted with limited access.
Access control can be implemented using biometric systems such as ID scanners and card readers that activate turnstiles at building entrances. Then for a long-term solution outside the building, you can install perimeter fencing and set up Jersey barriers to prevent vehicle access to large open spaces and empty parking lots. Master key cards and remote controls should remain with senior managers and inspectors for safekeeping.
Install A Surveillance And Alarm System
The advancement of video surveillance technology has greatly improved property security. Many modern surveillance cameras are equipped with real-time video monitoring by a rapid response alarm team, infrared vision for night-time sensing, and 360 degrees wide views.
Thus, the surveillance and alarm system allows your property to be monitored full-time. The cameras can be placed at high points, such as the roof or exterior wall, to get a better scope of the entire area. Furthermore, the cameras should ideally be visible to the street below to further discourage trespassers from attempting to enter.
Increase The Lighting
Proper lighting means better visibility to monitor and keep your property secure. Not only can increasing the number of lights eliminate dark areas that could be used as hiding spots, but it also acts as a deterrent for trespassers.
Exterior lighting can be installed at strategic access points and vulnerable hotspots, such as garage doors, driveways, perimeter fencing, outbuildings, and at the back routes of the property. Interior lights can include hallways, stairwells, and building entrances. To further enhance lighting security, you can install motion sensors that light up when detecting movement in the area.
Deploy Onsite Security Personnel
The presence of uniformed and trained security guards is still one of the most effective deterrents against criminal activity. Trespassers are less likely to attempt any break-ins if security is visible and because it signals that the rental property is being closely watched.
Moreover, the biggest advantage of having stationed security personnel is they can take immediate action if any incident occurs. This saves time and increases the likelihood that perpetrators will get caught and dealt with because there’s no wait time for authorities to arrive.
Furthermore, security management companies can also deploy mobile security guards to vehicle patrol during times when security isn’t on-site. This option is most beneficial to large construction properties that need round-the-clock surveillance.
Conclusion:
Enhancing the security of your rental property consists of securing doors and windows and limiting access control to prevent break-ins and protect paths to entry. Then, lighting and video surveillance systems can add another layer of security by monitoring and eliminating hiding spots for possible criminal activity.
Finally, having security personnel physically around the property can further deter potential trespassers from attempting any unlawful acts from the start. This includes having security guards and vehicle patrol guards stationed on site. Doing this can improve the area’s safety and prevent or handle lawbreakers efficiently.