For Landlords

7 Steps to Ensure Your Property is Secure

The security of your rental property is not only your job as a landlord, but also a top priority. It’s critical to continue being proactive in protecting your investment and your tenants. Here are 7 doable steps and real-world examples to ensure your property is secure and a safe refuge for tenants.

Knowing Your Neighborhood

Knowing Your Neighborhood-Ensure Your Property is Secure

The first step to ensuring your property is secure is to know your neighborhood. Research the community thoroughly before making an investment in real estate. For example, a house in a busy metropolis like Kuala Lumpur may require different security measures than a property in a more sedate place like Penang. To determine the level of safety in the area, make use of data such as the Malaysian police’s local crime statistics and community opinions. Acknowledge the importance of neighborhood watch programs, street illumination, and the presence of local law enforcement. 

Proactive Landlord Responsibilities

Proactive Landlord Responsibilities-Ensure Your Property is Secure

The second step to ensuring your property is secure is to proactively exercise your responsibility as a landlord. Malaysian law states that landlords ought to guarantee their properties are safe for habitation. This includes secure locks on doors and windows and the supply of fire safety equipment. For example, consider installing deadbolt locks and window bars, especially in ground-floor apartments, to deter break-ins. Additionally, frequently verify these features for functionality.

Security Systems & Fortifications

Security Systems & Fortifications-Ensure Your Property is Secure

The third step to ensuring your property is secure is to fortify your property and invest in security systems. Putting a budget aside to implement a security system can provide you peace of mind and could potentially greatly reduce crime. There are several alternatives, ranging from alarm systems that notify authorities in the event of an unwanted entry to CCTV systems that keep an eye on entry points. For example, smart locks provide convenience and security by enabling tenants to enter without a traditional key and by enabling remote monitoring.

Besides that, protecting points of entry is crucial. According to a University of North Carolina research, over 60% of thieves said that if there was an alarm, they would look for a different target entirely. Installing window locks and strengthening doors with solid cores should come first. Modern upgrades like camera-equipped smart doorbells can keep prospective burglars away and allow tenants to keep an eye on guests.

Prioritizing Fire Safety

Prioritizing Fire Safety

The fourth step to ensuring your property is secure is to make fire safety your priority. Your property’s fire safety is vital. Lifesaving measures include placing smoke alarms in every room and stocking essential spaces like the kitchen with fire extinguishers. Make sure that these gadgets are in operational order by doing yearly checkups on them. Furthermore, draft a fire evacuation plan and make sure tenants are aware of it, along with the locations of assembly areas and exits.

Fostering Tenant Cooperation

Fostering Tenant Cooperation

The fifth step to ensuring your property is secure is to foster tenant cooperation. It is essential to teach tenants how to use installed security features. Assist them in using the alarm system, stressing the value of avoiding having duplicate keys, and reporting maintenance problems that could jeopardize security during the onboarding process. Invite them to share any worries they may have, such as the need for more illumination in the parking lot.

Emergency Preparations 

Emergency Preparations

The seventh step to ensuring your property is secure is to prepare for emergencies. Stock your property with basic supplies like batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and emergency contact lists to prepare it for any situation. Give instructions on how to deal with water stoppages, power outages, and other relevant natural calamities, such as flooding, which are more likely to affect landed property.

Cultivating a Safe Community

Cultivating a Safe Community

Last but not least, the seventh step to ensuring your property is secure is to cultivate a safe community. Landlords can play a pivotal role in community safety.  Since familiar faces are more likely to watch out for one another, encourage your tenants to get to know their neighbors. To promote a sense of community security, plan or assist in organizing community safety events like safety workshops or neighborhood watch meetings.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of your rental property is a continuous process that needs attention to detail, awareness, and a willingness to make the necessary investments. You can safeguard both your property and the people who live there by putting these methods into practice.

Take the first step towards enhancing your rental property’s safety by reviewing your current security measures. And if you’re looking to list your secure, well-maintained property, trust SPEEDHOME to connect you with quality tenants. Visit us today to learn more about our landlord resources and services. Let’s partner up to create safer homes for everyone.

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