An important yet often ignored part of Raleigh property management is protecting your rental property even when you’re not around. As you prepare for 
your trip, you might think that simply locking the doors will keep your rental house secure during your absence. The reality, though, is that not properly preparing your rental home before your vacation increases your risk to a wide array of issues. The FBI estimates that at least 2.5+ million home break-ins occur per year. This means that a home burglary happens every 13 seconds. In line with this, here are some Raleigh property management tips to help you keep your rental property safe while you are away.
- Unplug your garage door opener – Burglars can use universal garage door remotes to open the door and intrude the home. To avoid this scenario, unplug the garage door before you leave. With that, thieves will have a harder time entering your property.
- Unplug smart devices –Switch off and unplug all your rental property’s smart appliances, as well as anything not plugged into a surge protector. Crooks can use smart appliances to get into your network. This then jeopardizes your security. They might utilize these devices to gather important data or even open a door. Unplugging smart devices can also save you money and help protect your property from power problems since there are TVs and charging units that continue to suck power in despite being turned off.
- Get a security system – This provides a number of benefits, including insurance benefits and peace of mind. Additionally, security systems are cost-effective nowadays. This means you can stay in the know while you are away, at a low expense.
- No leaving of spare keys outside – Leaving a spare key in known hiding places such as under the welcome mat, in the light fixture, or taped to the window is unnecessary. Don’t provide thieves easy access to your rental property.
- Hold the mail from coming –Your rental might still receive mail, such as junk mail, even though no one occupies the property. The accumulating pile of unchecked mail may signal burglars that no one is at home. However, the USPS solves the problem by giving you the option online to temporarily hold the mail.
- Social media – We normally don’t think of social media when thinking of Raleigh property management. But today, crooks can snoop on social media to determine whether a landlord is on a holiday. There’s no need to announce your travels to the world. In times when you want to share your trip with your friends, use strong social media privacy settings to ensure that only your close friends and family know about your vacation.
- Time the lights – Indoor light timers are an inexpensive way to make it look like someone is at home even though no one is. A timing unit switches the lights on for people outside to notice. This makes it seem as though someone is in the house, especially if some lights go on and off at different times.
- Ask for a neighbor’s help – Before your trip, ask one of your rental home’s neighbors to put your garbage out or just simply visit the property when you’re away. This makes it appear as though someone is inside. The more it appears that someone is around your vacant rental property, the less chance that thieves will consider committing any property damage or crime.
Using these tips can help protect your rental property while you enjoy your vacation.
Would you like to know more about our Raleigh Property Management services? Please call us at (919) 827-4390 for more details, or fill out our online contact form.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
