Home security should be top of your list when you’re planning your vacation.
It’s also a good idea to make plans to protect your property and real estate. And if you’re going away for more than a few days these ten tips may help protect your real estate. If you’re a landlord we think you’ll find these suggestions are equally useful when your tenant is planning a holiday.
Police your policy
If you or your tenant is going to be away for any length of time, your home insurance company may need to be informed. Most property insurance companies will want to know if the property is going to be empty and, if the appropriate steps aren’t taken, your insurance policy may be invalid and you will not be successful in making any claims. Always read your insurance documents carefully and don’t forget the small print.
Anybody home?
Most house burglaries and thefts take place when no one is at home, so ensure the property appears to be occupied. There are some home security tricks for this, including setting timers for internal lights and maybe a radio. Cancel deliveries for newspapers and perhaps have your post redirected so it’s not stacking up behind the door. This is even more important if your front door is made from glass.
Neighborhood watch
Having good neighbors can be a valuable asset to create the illusion that someone is home, and helping win the war on home security crime. They can push post through the letterbox if it’s stuck and perhaps even mow the lawn. If they have a key to the property they could open and close the curtains on a daily basis too.
Window display
Many house burglaries aren’t pre-planned, so make sure there’s nothing to tempt an opportunist and attract them to the property. Always ask your tenant to store any valuable items so they are not on display. Perhaps provide blinds which can be used to reduce visibility.
Be alarmed
If your property has a burglar alarm, make sure your tenant knows how to use it properly and ask them to set it before they leave. Make sure that you know the security code too so the property can still be entered in any home security emergency.
Light up your life
Well illuminated areas have less appeal to a would-be intruder than poorly-lit spaces with dark corners. Make sure the outside of your property is suitably lit by providing security lights with timers or motion sensors. Ensure the nearest streetlights are working as well.
Lock up and leave
It goes without saying that locking up before leaving should be a priority but it’s surprising how many people forget to do it. Remind your tenant they need to lock all lockable doors, close windows and shut internal doors, which will help slow down the spread of fire if one happens while the property is unoccupied. As a landlord, make sure all locks are secure and working, plus if the property has window locks make sure the keys have been provided and the tenant is aware that they are expected to use them.
Access all areas
Before your tenant departs on vacation it’s wise to ask for permission to enter the property for regular checks during their absence. This can be useful to make sure everything is ok and to troubleshoot maintenance issues, such as potential leaks. Even a small drip can do a lot of damage if left undetected for a long period of time.
Don’t share
It’s very important that you or your tenant is selective in who they tell about their forthcoming trip. This is particularly important when it comes to social media. Posting pictures and updates about a holiday online is simply advertising that no one is home.
Expert advice
If your property is going to be empty for a long time, ask a local real estate agent for their tips and advice. They are experts in all things rental-related and will be aware of what can go wrong when an address is empty, and how to plan and prepare to make sure your property is properly protected.
