GoSection8 and yard signs are adverts to steal my stuff?

[Marc D.]

Does anyone have experience with appliances, wiring and pipes walking when using goSection8.com and yard signs. I stopped using signs and saw a big difference, but I'm wondering if I should/should not use GoSection8 since they publish the address. I thought maybe I could say "This is still occupied, so don't bother current tenants."

What are other's experiences?

[Mike McKinzie]

It all depends where your rentals are located. Rental and For Sale signs are always an invitation for theft, just as a weeks worth of newspapers on the lawn.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of theft. Have the neighbors keep an eye out. Install a security system. Install a temporary camera system. Install a temporary fence around the property (extreme).

Theft will always happen, I have a very wealthy cousin who owns a vacation beach condo in California as they live out of state. Professionals broke in, by passing the motion detector security system and opened an electronic safe and stole over $250,000 worth of jewelry. And I have had a Section 8 rental stand empty for 3 months and nothing was taken.

I NEVER advertise an address, just a general location, "Nice 3 bedroom in the Arroyo Waterfall area". Never send folks by to look at it, always meet them there.