Security Tips for Summer Rental Properties

Summer is right around the corner and if you’re in the business of vacation rentals in Florida, or renting property of any type, that means it’s almost prime time for clients. Ensure your guests have a fun and safe stay by keeping your property outfitted with the necessary security features. By maintaining great security of your property, you can help guests feel safe and improve the likelihood that they will recommend you to their friends and family in the future.

To get you started,.

Security Tips for Summer Rental Properties

FOCUS ON VISIBILITY

As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind”. When nightfall comes, the safety risks increase. You can improve the overall security of your property by installing good lighting inside and outside the premises. This includes driveways, backyards, fencing, garages, basements, attics, and more.

If your property is secluded by an expanse of land, a long driveway, or any other space, be sure that the pathways to and from your property are clear and well-lit. Guests arriving for the first time at night will appreciate the extra effort – and you can rest easy knowing that your property is a better deterrent for bad players.

Some tasks to remember when checking for visibility include:

• Take a tour of your property with a fresh set of eyes (you can bring a friend to help with this). What areas stand out to the eye?
• Check for overgrown brush or other “hiding spots”.
• Be mindful of areas around the exterior of your property without windows, such as the side of your lawn.
• Check the exterior of your fence line. How is the lighting there at night?
• Keep driveways, extended sidewalks and walking paths clear and lit

INSTALL A CAMERA-BASED SECURITY SYSTEM

Speaking of visibility, you can greatly improve your sense of safety as a rental property owner by installing security cameras. Strategic placement around main entries can help ensure you have better visibility of the comings and goings around your property – whether you have tenants or not.

Security cameras should be placed prominently in an area that offers the best view of the parts of your property that are most vulnerable. Just remember that some guests may not appreciate the idea of being watched while trying to enjoy their vacation, so make it clear in your welcome paperwork or property listing how the cameras will be used and if they will be used while guests are staying.

REPLACE LOCKS

Depending on your location, you may find it necessary or desirable to replace locks on a seasonal basis. If you experience a high volume of guest traffic to your property, if you have experienced any conflict with a recent guest, or it has been longer than seven years, consider replacing your door locks.

This can be especially helpful if you rent property to a single guest over a course of time, for instance, in the case of a timeshare. When one guest leaves and another arrives, it’s a great time to replace locks. This better ensures the safety and peace of mind of your new guests and yourself. That’s especially true if you are not in the physical location of your property and therefore less readily available to assist in case of emergencies.

More Security Tips for Summer Rental Properties

UPGRADE YOUR LOCK SYSTEM

Changing locks is a simple way to boost security. If you live in a high-traffic area or you simply want to give your tenants an extra sense of security, consider upgrading your lock system. Rather than using a generic lock and key, consider upgrading to an access control system that uses digital keys, access codes, or another form of keyless entry. This means less opportunity for guests to lose keys, and overall better security for your property all year long.

Some types of access control lock systems to consider include:

• Keyless entry
• Electric locks
• Magnetic locks
• Digital keypads

BE AWARE OF WINDOWS

You want your rental property to maximize its curb appeal, especially during prime rental season. It may be tempting to leave blinds and curtains open through the season to showcase the effort you’ve made to create an aesthetic space inside, but this can be dangerous. Data reports show that most burglaries happen in the afternoon, rather than at night in many cases. If potential burglars are stalking your property, open windows give them a clear view to what’s happening (or not happening) inside.

As a general rule, keep windows and blinds closed when your property is not in use. Let your guests decide how to let in natural light. If your property does not include curtains or blinds in some areas, consider adding them. Some other options you have include tinting windows or upgrading to security glass.

CONSIDER HIRING A PROPERTY MANAGER

If you are in the business of rental properties, you may have multiple units with multiple tenants at any given time. If you are not located nearby, it can be next to impossible to keep a close eye on your properties during vacation season and beyond. Rather than stressing yourself trying to manage tenants, upkeep, and so much more, consider hiring a property manager.

A property manager can help with the day-to-day business of managing your property. This includes working more hands-on with guests, ensuring your property is well-kept, and keeping eyes on your space. In case of emergencies, a property manager can step in to assist as well.

WORK WITH A TRUSTED LOCKSMITH FOR YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY SECURITY NEEDS

No matter your security goals, a locksmith in Florida can help you achieve them. Southshore Locksmith has been serving the South Florida community since 1975, and we know a thing or two about keeping you safe. Give us a call at 561-531-2619 for a consultation. Whether you’re looking for a basic key replacement or a more advanced security system installation, we’re available to offer you insights into industry best practices and other tips to give you peace of mind.