Security for a rental home is essential for both tenants and landlords alike. It is important that a renter feels safe while living in the rental property and that they are confident there are protective measures and a system in place if something were to happen. At the same time, rental property owners and landlords want to protect their rental home investment and possibly increase the value of their property with the right security implementation.

Here are some need-to-know tips on rental security and how it can safeguard your home in the long run.

Start With Your Doors and Windows

As a Las Vegas landlord or rental property owner, a great place to start when it comes to rental home security is with your doors and windows.

Security Tips for Doors:

• You want to make sure you have a solid door made of durable materials.
• Try to avoid front doors made of glass that can be easily broken and accessed.
• Ensure you have a deadbolt lock on the door that would make it harder for an intruder to break in.
• Install a peephole in the door that lets your tenants see who is there without having to open the door.

Security Tips for Windows:

• Check that all windows are able to close all the way and have functioning locks.
• Consider installing window alarms that can sense vibration and alert your tenant if there is unusual movement.
• If windows are older or have visible cracks, it is more than just an eyesore. It could make it easier for burglars to break in. Make sure to correct these issues.

Overall, doors and windows are the most obvious ways an intruder can gain access to your rental home. Focusing on these details can help you safeguard your home and your tenants.

Consider an Intercom System

Another way to help your tenants feel safe is to install an intercom system. This way, they can talk to whoever is at the gate or front door without having to grant them access to the property. For people who value their privacy, this could be an important feature that gives your rental property an advantage over the competition.

Improve Lighting Around the Home

The lighting around your rental property is an essential part of improving the security of the home. You definitely want to have bright lights at the front and back doors to keep the entrances illuminated at night.

Apart from that, some other areas to which you may want to think about adding additional lighting are:

• The driveway and alleyways
• The backyard or garden
• Decks, patios, and balconies
• The garage or carport
• Outdoor staircases
• Storage areas
• Pools and hot tubs

Although lighting plays a pivotal role in keeping your rental property safe at night, it can also improve the look of your home. Many outdoor lighting fixtures will add style and boost the ambiance of the property, which many potential tenants are looking for! There are several lighting options to choose from, including motion detection lights and solar lamps that can save on energy costs.

Install Security Cameras on the Rental Property

Security cameras around your rental home give you and your tenants peace of mind and the easiest way to track suspicious activity outside the doors. These security camera systems have come a long way and are now easier to install and more affordable than just a few years ago. Many of them can even connect to smartphones and will alert you or your tenant when there is movement detected. You may be able to watch a live feed or recorded video right from your phone.

Making sure these security cameras are visible will also help to deter possible thieves from attempting to break into the rental home. Even if the cameras are not functioning at the time, just seeing security cameras near the doorways may be enough to keep an intruder away.

Share Security Tips with Your Tenants

An important thing to remember is that having these security measures in place will not do any good if your tenants do not use them the right way. As the landlord, it is vital that you educate your tenants and help them understand how to use the security systems and other devices that will keep them safe.

Here are some ideas and security tips to share with your tenants:

1. Create a “cheat sheet” that lists out all the security features available at the rental property.
2. Write out instructions on how to use the security system, cameras, and intercom (if applicable).
3. Ensure your tenants know not to share security codes or give access to strangers.
4. If the tenant is planning to be away at night, ask them to leave some inside lights on and activate the cameras or security system.
5. Remind your tenants that posting about their vacations on social media while still away can make them a target.
6. Have a system in place that gives your tenant fair warning if you need to schedule maintenance. If any other person is claiming to be there for that reason without your warning, make sure your tenant knows not to give them access to the property.

Why Rental Home Security Is Important

According to the latest crime data published by the FBI, more than 1 million burglaries take place in the United States every year, which accounted for just under 16% of property crimes. In 2019 alone, burglary victims suffered roughly $3 billion in property losses!

By focusing on improving the security of your rental property, you are protecting your investment and safeguarding your tenants and their belongings while they are living in your property.

If you have recently stepped up your security and are hoping to optimize your income from a rental or vacation property, consider working with an experienced Henderson and Las Vegas property management company. Our Black & Cherry property management team can help you market your rental property and get the most qualified tenants to fill your vacancy. To learn more about our property management services in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, contact our team today!