Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is serious. Even while you should take appropriate actions, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your reasonable efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With a large number of homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s very important to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.
When dealing with vandalism, it’s typical to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while soothing and encouraging your frustrated tenant. With that said, equipping yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you reclaim control and make the recovery process more manageable and trouble-free.
Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes
If your property is vandalized, it’s imperative to contact the local authorities and submit a police report. Despite that your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and guarantee that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.
Total and complete documentation of property damage is substantial. Get a photo of every status of vandalism, as insurance companies largely require these records. If you can’t visit the property, try delegating this task to your tenant or property management company.
Address tenant concerns and maintain trust
If the vandalism is not caused by your renters or their guests, you are taking care of repairs. It’s serious to involve your insurance company when the damage arises. Ensure that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it ensues. You have to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.
Vandalism can certainly affect and impact tenants, inducing physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is compromised and impaired. It is pertinent to provide reassurance to tenants and clearly show efforts to restore the rental property and ensure their safety.
Enhance property security with lighting and alarms
As a rental property owner, it is crucial to highlight safety. One of the best solutions to prevent vandalism and make certain of the safety of your property is to seriously consider installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.
Plus, attaching bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with solid deadbolts can improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.
At Real Property Management VA Peninsula, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Williamsburg and nearby. We can tackle the documentation and recovery process for you and make certain your property is fixed up in an unfortunate circumstance. Want to properly understand more? contact us online or call us at 757-251-9188 for details.
Originally Published on December 14, 2018
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