How to keep rental safe in a bad neighborhood?

[Andy K]

Hi all,

We have a rental property in a not-so-good neighborhood. Didn't realize at the time of buying it that it was quite a rough neighborhood. The last 2 times that the home has been vacant during tenant turnover, it has been vandalized. We are expecting a vacancy again soon and would surely like to prevent the home from being vandalized again.

I would like to ask how folks have been keeping rentals safe in bad neighborhoods and preventing issues like vandalism. Does a security alarm system help? If so, which would be a good, affordable one? Any other things that can be done? Thanks for your help.

[John F.]

In all our homes I install motion detector with lights in front and back . I install or hang sheets to cover the windows. I put at least two lights on timers (living room and MBR). I install a monitored security system monitored by a local company. I have a motion detector in an area that encompasses the most possible traffic pattern In the house. I meet the neighbors and tell them I'm the property manager and I am going to improve the property. I ask is there any way you can park one of your cars in my driveway at night? I go by daily and ck on the house and remove all the junk mail. Hope this helps. John. PS. I make sure the alarm system is on a cellular phone connection so if no one is paying for a
Regular phone line (bc the house is vacant) then the alarm system still works!