Safety must be a priority for you and your tenants when you’re renting out a Golden home. No one likes to dwell on all of the things that could possibly go wrong, but a fire or a flood or an injury could happen at any given moment, and when your tenants are prepared, there’s less risk to them and to your property.
Security matters must be taken seriously, and there are a number of different ways to make your property safer and more secure. We’re going to share some of our general suggestions, with the caveat that the best recommendations for you will depend on your unique rental property. To ensure safety in your Colorado rental properties, you need to evaluate where their specific weaknesses might be. A ground floor apartment, for example, has different security needs that a single-family home in a gated community.
Here’s a look at some of the things you should do to ensure your property is as safe as it can be.
Install Proper Locks on Doors and Windows in Golden Rental Homes
Your tenants need to feel safe in their homes, and to feel safe, they need working doors and windows. Which means they need locking doors and windows. Protect your property with adequate locks, and make sure the exterior doors provide peepholes.
Allow and encourage your tenants to install Ring doorbells. This allows them to feel safe in their residence.
Peepholes are inexpensive and a must at rental properties. You don’t want your tenants opening the door to just anyone. They’ll appreciate knowing who is outside, so make sure your exterior doors have peepholes.
Bolt locks are also an important way to secure your external doors. This protects your tenants at night, when all residents are inside the house and sleeping. You can buy larger screws for bolt locks which will deter potential burglars who might try to break through the bolt and open the door.
Stay Fire-Safe with Smoke Detectors
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, around 400 people die every year in fires at rental properties. These fires also create an average of 3,875 injuries and over a billion dollar in property loss.
Let’s make preventing fires a priority. Here’s how you can do that at your rental property.
- Smoke Detectors
Our company requirements for smoke detectors are that smoke alarms are required to be installed in the following locations:
- In each bedroom or sleeping room.
- One on each additional story of the dwelling, including the basements and habitable attics but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
Carbon monoxide detectors are also required in Colorado rental homes, and they will keep your tenant and your property protected from a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
Preventative Maintenance and Safety
Keeping your rental property in good condition can help prevent accidents and keep tenants safe.
Make sure to regularly inspect the property for any hazards such as loose railings or uneven flooring. Additionally, keeping the property well-lit and maintaining landscaping can help deter potential criminals who might see opportunities at your property. Look for big tripping hazards on the concrete areas.
When you’re taking care of your property regularly, you’re keeping it safe. Responding right away to routine repair requests and investing in preventative maintenance will also cut down on emergencies, which can be dangerous to both tenants and your investment property.
In addition to the inspections that will reveal any potential problems, make sure you’re doing the following:
- Having your roof looked at by a qualified roofer at least annually.
- Asking an HVAC technician to service, clean, and inspect your heating and cooling systems.
- Cleaning out dust from dryer vents and debris from around refrigerator coils.
- Investing in pest control.
Seasonal maintenance is also important. You’ll want to be prepared for snow in the winter, as well as ice, and keeping your outdoor spaces treated and less slippery will be important. During the summer, make sure your irrigation system is well-maintained.
Safety Concerns when Golden Rentals are Vacant
The obvious problem with a vacant home is that it’s not earning you any money. But, a vacant home is also vulnerable. You’re in danger of vandalism and crime. Squatters could take up residence. A slow leak might be causing problems under a sink, and no one is there to stop it from becoming a major plumbing issue.
How can you keep that home safe while no one is living in it? For starters, make sure you can conduct inspections. Check in at least every week to make sure everything is working and safe. Look for potential trouble spots such as leaks, appliances, electrical systems, and security.
Always check in with your insurance agent, too. There might be additional coverage available to you when your property is vacant.
As a real estate investor, it’s essential to prioritize safety and security when it comes to your rental properties. Performing thorough preventative maintenance and taking proactive measures can prevent any potential issues. By following these tips and strategies, you can create a safe and secure environment for both your tenants and your investment.
We would be happy to evaluate your Golden investment property and make some additional recommendations based on what we see might be some areas of opportunity to create a safer and more secure space for your residents.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at Laurel Property Services, Inc. In addition to providing property management in Golden, we also serve Wheatridge, Morrison, Lakewood, Arvada, and Genesee, CO.
