Is your property left vacant between tenants for your rental property? Leaving on vacation soon? It is best to be aware keeping your property safe whilst you are on vacation, this is a too often forgotten consideration in part of Coeur d’Alene property management. In the midst of getting ready for a vacation, one may think that it is easiest to simply lock the doors is all you need to do to protect your rental house while you’re gone. The effects of not prepping your house means leaving your property and belonging at risk while you are on vacation. Indeed, the FBI estimates that there are at least 2.5+ million home break-ins per year, or in other terms a home burglary every 13 seconds. As such, here are some Coeur d’Alene Property Management tips that can help to keep your rental property safe while you’re away.
Unplug the Garage Door Opener – Burglars use universal garage door remotes to open the door and then enter the house. This could be a very easy fix, simply unplug the garage door before you leave and make it impossible for thieves to enter that easily while you are on vacation.
Unplug Smart Devices – Turn off and unplug all your smart appliances and anything that isn’t plugged into a surge protector. Smart appliances may be a way into your network and could give information or perform tasks that would put you at risk. Also, you will also save money and be protected against any power issues; some TVs and charging units actually continue to draw power even when they are turned off.
Get a Security System – This investment may be worth the security and peace of mind, but more than that, security systems are affordable these days. That means you can stay in the know while you are gone, for a low expense.
Don’t Leave a Spare Key Outside – There’s no need to leave a spare key in obvious places such as under the welcome mat, in the light fixture, or taped to the window. Don’t allow people easy access to your possessions.
Hold the Mail – Your rental may only be receiving a bit of junk mail, but having that pile up is a sign to thieves that no one is around. A full mail box is a sure way for burglars to know that the house is vacant and an easy target. Fortunately, the USPS has made it much easier by allowing you to hold your mail online while you are on vacation.
Social Media Smarts – We normally don’t associate social media with Coeur d’Alene property management, but thieves can monitor social media to see when a landlord is gone. There’s no need to broadcast your whereabouts to the world, however in case you do want to make your friends envious of that gorgeous tan you’re nursing in the Caribbean sun, make sure your social media accounts are locked down tight. Enable strong privacy settings so that only your close friends and family get the scoop on vacation plans.
Time Those Lights – Indoor light timers are an inexpensive way to make it look like you’re home, even if you’re not. A timing unit will turn on lights that can be easily seen on the outside and will give the impression that someone is in the house, especially if a couple of lights are going on and off at different times.
Ask a Friend for Help – While you’re on vacation, ask one of your rental home’s neighbors to pull your trash cans out, pick up your loose mail, or just visit the house so it looks like it’s being lived in. The more that the home looks in use, the less likely that a burglar will see the house as a viable target.
Following the above tips can help protect your property while you enjoy your time away on vacation.
Would you like to learn more about Coeur d’Alene Property Management? Please contact us for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.