Generally, Orlando is a safe place to live. However, some neighborhoods have a crime rate of 58 per 1,000 residents, so it’s important to be aware of any security risks on or around your rental property in Orlando FL. According to the 2019 Crime Report by the FBI, Orlando ranked number 15 out of 205 Florida cities with the highest security risks. You, as the rental property manager or owner, have the responsibility to safeguard your tenants. Here are some things you could be risking by not doing all you can to keep your property safe.

You Could Lose Potential Occupants

Quality tenants don’t always show up immediately. Before settling on your rental home, they will probably want to know what security measures are in place. An occupant generally feels safer when they’re sure who’s ringing the doorbell before opening or even getting up from a sofa. Investing in security cameras in front of the house and the backyard can give both parties peace of mind, plus some of the latest technology allows integration with smartphones to allow the resident a 24/7 of what’s going on around the property.

Before signing a lease agreement, first-time renters are usually keen on the security details of your property management. So, if they notice something wrong or unsafe that you aren’t willing to fix, they might pass your rental home to find a safer place. One of the last things you might want is the hassle of advertising vacant rentals every three months. Thanks to countless home security systems on the market, you shouldn’t lack a solution.

Crime-Related Property Damage

According to Neighborhood Scout, Orlando is safer than only 3% of US cities, and the property crime rate per year is 50 out of 1,000 residents. With these statistics, home security is highly important whether your rental property is tucked away from the city chaos or amidst Orlando streets with the highest foot traffic. You may want to reach out to a property management company for advice on how to protect a rental home nestled in a high-density location. For example, Specialized Property Management has been taking care of Orlando properties for years, and so we know through what steps to take in order to keep your rental and your tenants safe.

Break-ins not only endanger the occupants but can also result in major property damage. If your rental home is burglarized, the doors and windows could end up badly damaged. Sliding glass doors are especially easy to break, so you must secure them correctly. Appliances could be stolen and your home insurance may not cover all the replacement costs.

You Could be Sued for Facilitating a Hostile Living Environment

Tenants have the right not to worry about their safety due to their rental property’s condition. If they are attacked while living in your rental home, you might face a lawsuit and be forced to pay for the injuries caused. Aside from protecting against break-ins, you should also be sure to maintain safe stairs and other areas of the house, because you could be found negligent if someone falls and breaks a leg or is harmed due to a neglected part of the property that was your responsibility to fix.

The value and desirability of a single-family rental home largely depend on its security details. Tenants prefer to stay in places where they’ll enjoy peace of mind. If you want to keep them in the long-term and attract new quality tenants in the future, prioritize safety in your property management. You won’t just be protecting your tenants from harm, but also yourself from lawsuits and legal liability.

As mentioned earlier, Specialized Property Management Orlando has years of experience protecting Orlando rental properties and tenants. As a rental management company, we also assume liability so you, the property owner, are safe from legal action.

Contact us online or call us at 407-698-3322 for more information.