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What to Do if Your Rental Property Has Been Vandalized

Close up of broken window on door of brick house.
Protecting your investment properties from vandalism is necessary. Though you should take obligatory measures, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that, despite your valiant efforts, your property may still be vulnerable. With numerous homes targeted by vandals each year, it’s vital to have a plan to address any potential incidents at your rental properties.

When confronted with vandalism, it’s ordinary to feel violated and overwhelmed as you work with the authorities and your insurance company to repair your rental property while promising your frustrated tenant. But anyhow, enhancing yourself with knowledge on responding to vandalism can help you repossess control and make the recovery process more trouble-free and manageable.

Create a detailed report for insurance and legal purposes

If your property is vandalized, it’s necessary to contact the local authorities and quickly file a police report. Notwithstanding your tenants may report the incident, as the property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and make sure that all property damage is properly documented in an official report.

Careful documentation of property damage is focal. Get a shot at every inch of vandalism, as insurance companies mostly require these records. If you can’t visit the property, choose delegating this task to your tenant or property management company.

Address tenant concerns and maintain trust

If the vandalism is not caused by your renters or their guests, you have responsibility over repairs. It’s essential to involve your insurance company when the damage arises. Make certain that your insurance policy covers vandalism before it ensues. You will have to cover the repair costs yourself if it doesn’t.

Vandalism can negatively impact tenants, provoking physical damage to their homes and emotional distress. Tenants may feel fear and anxiety as their sense of security is ruined. It is advisable to provide reassurance to tenants and clearly indicate efforts to restore the rental property and ensure their safety.

Enhance property security with lighting and alarms

As a rental property owner, it is crucial to single out safety. One great thing to prevent vandalism and ascertain the safety of your property is to examine installing a comprehensive security system that your tenants can utilize.

Moreover, integrating bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting to illuminate the surroundings and fortifying all entry points with sturdy deadbolts can consequently improve the rental property’s overall safety and security measures.

At Real Property Management NW Chicago Suburbs, one of our top priorities is keeping your tenant and rental property safe in Arlington Heights and nearby. We can tend to the documentation and recovery process for you and ensure your property is fixed up in a disaster. Want to understand more? Contact us online or call us at 847-737-4800 today!

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