One of the worst things that can happen to property owners in Filer is vandalism. In fact, roughly 15% of American homes are targeted by vandals each year. Vandalism such as graffiti and smashed mailboxes can cause expensive damage to a rental home, but it also leaves behind a tenant’s sense of security and community spirit violated, not to mention the potential detriment of property values. For these reasons, preventing vandalism should be a top priority for landlords and property owners alike.
There are no fail-proof ways to deter vandalism, but there are some things that you can do to minimize the likelihood of them vandalizing your property. One of these ways is to install and maintain adequate exterior lighting. Lights and vandalism do not mix; vandals prefer dark spaces as they would want their dirty work unseen. Motion sensor lights are predominantly effective and can be an energy-efficient option that tenants will appreciate.
Discourage vandals by making sure your fences are durable and equipped with a secure gate that locks. Vandals want to aim for those easy targets, if they are being forced to climb over a fence or break through a locked gate, then they will think twice before even entering your property.
As a natural deterrent, one effective way is by having bushes or shrubs with rough bark, thorns, or pointy leaves in the perimeter of the property. The added greenery will enhance the look of your property while at the same time giving a painful challenge to any unwanted visitors attempting to get overly close to the home.
As unusual as it may seem, but quality window coverings can thwart the vandals, too. Vandalism is a crime of opportunity; they will typically only strike if they think nobody is home. If you keep your windows draped with blinds or drapes, it will raise uncertainties about whether or not someone is home, mainly if a light or two is left on at all times. It just might persuade them to look for another, easier target.
To conclude, if vandals do strike, it’s vital to clean up the mess as soon as possible. These sorts of ne’er-do-wells enjoy having their handiwork scene and fussed over. If their damage is left as it is, they might become challenged, and return and make an even bigger, “better” mess. By painting over graffiti, repairing broken glass, and addressing any further damage right away, you are actively discouraging any vandals from coming back.
By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your Filer rental homes from becoming an easy target for vandals. At Real Property Management Magic Valley, we offer full-service property management including monitoring your properties on a regular basis and arranging for repairs and maintenance should anything go wrong. If you would like more information on how to protect your home, please contact us online or by 208-734-4001 today.