Easy Ways to Improve Rental Property Security

Theft is a major cause of property loss for residents. Along with vandalism, it places a significant burden on your business. Protect residents, defend your properties, reduce turn and avoid costly insurance claims with our reliable security and theft prevention products and maintenance tips.

How to Secure a Rental Property

Smart cameras increase property security

Discourage crime and give your residents confidence with security-minded facility maintenance. Residential theft often occurs when opportunity arises, but these steps can help you curtail those opportunities.

Ensure that your staff is easily identifiable to residents using uniforms and photo IDs.
Work with local police departments. Crime watch programs are typically available.
Check security lighting and replace as needed.
Trim bushes, shrubs and trees to avoid providing a place for an intruder to hide.
Lock up ladders and tools that could be used to break into buildings.
Be pet-friendly. Even small dogs make a residences less attractive to criminals.
Educate your residents and provide regular security reminders like locking doors and windows.
Wire security alarm systems into each unit and give residents the option to pay for alarm services.

Apartment Door Security

Secure your properties with dependable door locks and deadbolts. Exterior doors and windows should all have properly working deadbolts, and these locks should be checked during each apartment turn. Deadbolts and chain locks make it significantly more difficult for intruders to break into a unit.

Add peepholes to allow residents to see outside the unit without opening their doors.
Add intercom systems at the building doors so residents can communicate with guests before giving them building access.
Protect your property by choosing durable, heavy-duty exterior doors instead of breakable glass doors.

Apartment Security Camera Laws

A smart security camera installed on a wall

Get serious about home and apartment security with effective residential security and alarm systems. Alarm systems communicate safety to potential residents, leading to residents who want to renew their leases year after year. To elevate security confidence even more, integrate a video surveillance system.

Security cameras are a benefit to large, multifamily properties. Surveillance of common areas, such as laundry rooms, hallways, stairwells and building entrances make residents feel safer. It also gives property managers visibility into who visits the building.

The specifics of apartment security camera laws differ by state. In general, it is permissible for property managers to install cameras on the grounds and in public areas. Cameras may not be installed inside of units, bathrooms or anywhere else a resident has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes installing a camera outside the unit but pointing it toward a unit, such as aiming a camera at a bedroom window.

Rental Apartment Lighting Ideas

A variety of light bulbs hanging from a ceiling

Deter theft, increase safety and tell criminals they are unwelcome with strategic outdoor security lighting. Choose from or combine dusk to dawn, motion sensor and flood lighting Make sure all hallway and stairwell lights are bright and functional.

Save energy by using motion-activated lights.
Ensure parking lots have adequate security lighting.
Replace burnt bulbs or flickering lights immediately.

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