subject: Property Managers Security Guide [print this page] As a property manager, you are responsible for keeping your tenants safe and secure. True, you were hired by the owner to keep the building running and make a profit. But a big part of that is keeping your tenants happy. An unsecure building is not going to be a profitable building for long.
Here are basic common sense precautions and ideas to keep your rental property safe and sound. As a property manager, it's your responsibility to make sure that the locks on an apartment have been changed, or rekeyed when a new tenant moves in. It doesn't have to cost anything. The lock from vacant apartment A can be placed on vacant apartment B without spending a penny. This will ensure that a renter won't be broken into by a former tenant.
You would be surprised how many people open up doors to strangers without checking. A small peephole viewer is a necessity for any apartment. When the property manager inpects an apartment before leasing it, this should be on the top of the list.
Tell your tenants to purchase renter's insurance to protect their valuables.
Don't write the full names of the tenants on their door or mailbox. Use only last name or initials.
Advise renters to take pictures of their most valuable items and inventory the description, serial number and cost of their valuables. This will make any insurance claims run as smoothly as possible.
Make sure there is a bar or long stick in the track of sliding glass doors. This will help stop a break in.
Check that there is no poor lighting or locks that are broken. Also make sure there is not any overgrowth of bushes or landscaping. Don't give the nasty people places to hide.
They should know to keep their eye out for unsavory characters.
Have a Key Use Policy.
Don't label your keys with the apartment or unit number. Use some sort of simple code instead. If your office gets broken into, then everyone will have a major problem, and if the renter loses them, they will be at risk.
Make sure the hallways are well lit, and no bulbs are burned out or missing.
It's a great idea to have mirrors at bends in the hallways to prevent someone from waiting around the corner to prey on the unsuspecting.
Check the intercom and buzzer system and make sure it works well. If it doesn't, dwellers may habitually leave the front door propped open which would be an invitation for vandals etc.
The windows on the ground floor should be protected by bars. And even more important, make sure the windows and bars can be opened in case of fire!
The fire escapes should be alarmed or at the very least make sure doors are not able to be opened from the outside. Also make sure they are easily openable from the inside, and that there is nothing blocking them.
If you have a vacant apartment, leave a radio or television playing and a hallway light on to give it somewhat of a lived in look.
