By 
Whether you are a single unit owner or a multi-unit operator, the safety of your residents should be a primary concern. The safety of your residents and the perception of security are important factors in a resident’s decision to sign another lease. Property managers experience high turnover and lose substantial profits by failing to address security concerns.
The perception of security is not just a main ingredient in a resident retention program; it is also a critical factor in attracting new residents. Along with price, location, amenities, and appearance, the perception of safety weighs heavily in a prospect’s decision. Families with children and female residents are especially sensitive to these factors.
The first step in implementing a safety plan is to thoroughly screen residents and employees by not only checking their credit but also doing a criminal background check. Property managers must be especially vigilant about allowing sex offenders, thieves, drug dealers, and criminals with violent histories onto their properties. It is prudent to show that management takes due diligence when evaluating both residents and employees. The news is read with instances where residents and property suffered as a result of hostile actions by unselected residents and employees. Property management and landlords are exposed to lawsuits by allowing dangerous criminals onto their property. Imagine the horror and implications if a sex offender raped another resident because the property manager failed to properly assess.
The following tips will demonstrate to residents and prospective residents that the management takes resident safety seriously. These are tips that should serve as the basis for a general security plan that should be written and distributed to staff and residents. If implemented correctly, these tips will become a guide for future modifications and additions.
Environmental awareness remains the best protection for the resident and the property. Residents should be encouraged to come together and get to know their neighbors. Property managers should always promote the community through events or activities on the community website. It is recommended that they use the website to document a community policing program.
· Staff must always display an identification card and door-to-door attorneys must be prohibited. Residents and staff should always be on the lookout for suspicious strangers and unusual activity. This includes unknown packages and unattended vehicles.
Parking areas, entrances, offices, hallways, clubhouses, stairwells, laundry rooms, and other common areas should be well lit and enclosed. (Never allow doorways to be open) Burnt out light bulbs should be replaced immediately and angled mirrors should be installed. Always change locks when new residents move in and install deadbolts larger than 1 1/2 in. Install wide-angle sight glasses with a cover to prevent peeking in. These doors must remain closed. Outward facing doors should be 1-3/4″ solid wood or metal and fit snugly into their frames, with no more than 1/8″ gap between door and frame. Decals are recommended of prevention of crimes in doors and windows.
· Install alarm systems.
· Sliding glass doors and windows should be secured with commercial locks and anti-lift devices, as well as a wooden dowel to lock the door. Windows at ground level must be protected with bars that can be opened from the inside.
· Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to ground level, while obstacles and debris that may impede a clear view should be removed.
· Residents should be discouraged from putting spare keys under the doormat, in the mailbox or anywhere thieves might look.
· Residents should be encouraged to put timers on lights, radios and televisions when they are not home to give the appearance that someone lives there.
· Never put full names in mailboxes or directories.
By following these tips and being extra vigilant at all times, property managers can add one more detail to the mix that makes their property a desirable place to live and a place people can call “home.” Residents will stay longer, prospects will want to move there, and profits will increase. Newsletter