People value their safety, and renters are no different. Now, the responsibility of ensuring renters are happy lies solely with the landlord. According to Florida landlord-tenant laws, landlords must provide their tenants with safe rental premises.
When it comes to renters’ safety, there are factors that landlords can and can’t control. Outside factors, as is self-explanatory, are factors that landlords are unable to influence. For example, natural events such as flooding or storms pose a risk to providing safe premises.
Then, there are inside factors. These are factors that are within your control as a landlord when it comes to securing your tenant. So, what exactly should you do to ensure your tenant is adequately protected? This is the question that today’s post aims to answer.
The following are 8 tips to keep your Florida home (and investment) safe.
External lighting can go a long way to thwart efforts by potential intruders. After all, the last thing a potential intruder wants is to have a spotlight shone on them. Motion sensor lighting can be effective in this regard.
Motion sensor lighting is the passive sort and can “see” motion by detecting shifts in infrared energy. You can install it in places such as in the driveway, gardens, or the front door.
If you have a bigger budget to work with, then consider installing security lighting throughout your Jacksonville home.
There are entry points that are very popular with burglars. Among these are windows. According to the FBI’s recent statistics, a whopping 4,000 burglaries take place in the country every day, though some neighborhoods are safer than others. More than 25% of the burglars enter homes through windows.
One way of preventing a burglar from entering through your home’s windows is by installing window locks. Standard latches do a horrible job of thwarting burglars’ attempts. They can be easily opened by anyone who is determined to get inside a home.
Window locks, on the other hand, make entry much harder. There are many different types to choose from, including lock pins, vent locks, and key-locked latches.
Unknowingly, you may be helping a burglar stroll in through your home’s front door. So, have all doors inspected thoroughly for any vulnerabilities. Ensure that the door frames are strong and that the hinges are well-protected.
Also, make sure to change the door locks every time there is a tenant turnover. This way, you’ll know that only the current tenant has access to their rented premises.
You may also want to improve your door’s security by installing a deadbolt, adding a strike plate, or upgrading to smart locks.
Security cameras can be an effective solution to foiling burglar attempts. And they don’t just work as a deterrent, but can also be a means towards getting justice.
You have two options when it comes to home security cameras. The first option is using cameras that work on their own, and the other option is getting cameras that are part of an intricate system. You could charge more in rent for this feature.
But, regardless of the option you choose, using one that is integrated with a mobile app is advisable. That’s because you may be able to see the real-time footage wherever and whenever.
If you have a bigger budget, you could consider installing night vision and Wi-Fi capability.
Planting beautiful shrubs and trees can help towards improving your home’s curb appeal. That said, they may also help provide an ideal place to hide for potential burglars.
If there are plants and trees close to your home, have them trimmed. You may also want to opt for smaller bushes and flowers instead. Also, do you happen to have trees near windows? If so, consider reinforcing them with extra security or removing them altogether.
You also don’t want to forget about other areas around your home. For example, ensure that outdoor buildings, such as sheds, are well protected. Also, don’t leave pricey items on display in the yard.
Do you know that someone may be able to access your personal and financial information via your home’s Wi-Fi network? That’s right! And if your house is automated, your house may also become more vulnerable to a break-in.
Luckily, there are a couple of things you can do to secure your home’s Wi-Fi network. One of the most basic things to do is to install antivirus protection. Other things you could do include creating a strong password and securing your wireless router.
This is also another entry point for burglars. If a burglar can’t access your home, chances are that your garage has plenty of valuable stuff a burglar could steal. That’s why it’s important to ensure all locks – both interior and exterior – are locked.
Also, consider keeping the garage door opener in your house. This way, a burglar won’t be able to simply grab it out of your car. As for garage doors that are opened by security codes, ensure they are kept hidden.
There are also other ways in which you could ensure your garage is secure: for example, by securing garage doors with more locks, covering windows to hide the valuables inside, and upgrading to a smart garage door opener.
Do you have a holiday rental? If so, having a detailed record of every furnishing in your property is crucial. The following is some of the information your item documentation should highlight:
Examples of items to document include artwork, office equipment, garden and power tools, televisions, furniture, and anything else of value.
Ensuring your home is adequately protected is key. That said, make sure to get the consent of your Florida tenant before changing their locks. If you don’t, your tenant could accuse you of harassment.
Innovative Property Solutions
8833 Perimeter Park Blvd Suite 301, Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 321-9020Office hours:
Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Sat - Sun: Closed