We’ve said it before, and the data proves it. People who rent apartments want to know they are living in a safe place. They ranked it among the top two considerations when choosing a place to live. It’s your job as a property owner or manager to create that for them, especially if you want them to stick around.
Here are 4 things you can do to help make your residents feel secure.
1. Assess your property and procedures
An assessment of your property is one of the best ways to improve its security. Evaluate the perimeter of the property. Do you have a fence or gate? What about landscaping? Are there areas of concern? Are there possible places for people to hide? How is your lighting?
Take a good look at common areas like lobbies, mail centers, parking areas and storage facilities. Are there security measures in place for these areas?
Do you have policies and procedures that your residents know? Do you keep them updated on changes?
2. Maintain the property
Conduct regular inspections of your property. Make sure the lights come on at night and all walkways, parking areas, stairways, elevators and other common areas are well lit. Criminals seek out dark areas where they can hide their activity. You also want to make sure surveillance cameras can easily see things. In addition, you should perform monthly checks to monitor any changes that may block light, like blooming trees and shrubs.
If any damage does occur, clean it up immediately. A property covered in vandalism and damage sends a message to criminals and potential residents that you don’t care about security.
3. Be proactive
Encourage a sense of community. Help residents get to know each other through common areas, a sponsored event, and technology. For example, you can set up a residents-only online community with information about upcoming social gatherings, news about the community, and services provided by residents.
Use the online community to communicate security tips. Encourage tenants to watch for strangers hanging around the apartment building and anything that looks suspicious or out of place.
Live Video Monitoring
As technology continues to become more effective, efficient, and less expensive, more companies are augmenting traditional security guards with live remote video monitoring. Remote video monitoring is the ability to view onsite security cameras and other related equipment off-site. Top tier remote video monitoring firms leverage state-of-the-art video technology, advanced analytics, and human intelligence to help identify and deter crime before it happens – for up to 60% less than the cost of traditional security solutions.
Live video monitoring offers many of the fundamental advantages, including:
- Quicker police response
- Extensive site coverage
- Cost savings
- Video review
- System health check
Innovative security solutions can not only help reduce theft at your multifamily residential property, they can increase the marketability and become the deciding factor for potential residents who are considering other options.
For more information security tips, download our free Guide to Securing Your Multifamily Residential Property, or contact us.
