How to Handle a Burglary in your Rental Property

Discovering that your rental property has been burglarized generates significant distress, making it challenging to think clearly. However, with a well-prepared plan in place, this unfortunate situation doesn’t have to escalate into your worst nightmare.

Steps to take if your rental property has been burglarized

1. Don’t panic
2. Call the police
3. Don’t touch anything
4. Ask other tenants/ neighbors saw anything

Tips on preventing burglaries in your rental property

It is prudent to enhance the security of your rental properties by installing a reliable alarm system, sturdy core doors, and high-quality windows. Effective landscaping can further elevate the security measures in your home. Exterior lights, motion-activated LEDs, well-maintained flowers, and a manicured lawn can serve as your covert weapons against potential intruders. Additionally, consider implementing a wireless security camera system, ensuring the cameras are visible both at the front and back entrances.

 The mere presence of security cameras acts as a strong deterrent against theft. Intruders typically seek the path of least resistance, and dealing with visible security cameras proves to be a significant deterrent. Focus on reinforcing common entry points, such as the back door and garage, by installing an alarm system in those areas.

Does your tenant have renter’s insurance?

In the unfortunate event that your rental property has been subjected to a break-in, it is imperative to promptly contact your insurance company. By reaching out to them, you can initiate the process of assessing the extent of the loss and estimating the value of the stolen items. Renters insurance, a crucial protective measure for tenants, offers coverage for personal belongings and liability. In the aftermath of a burglary, this insurance becomes a vital resource, reimbursing the costs associated with damaged or stolen items.

Renters insurance not only provides financial assistance in replacing stolen possessions but also alleviates the burden of worrying about the high costs involved in recovery. By filing a claim and working closely with the insurance company, both landlords and tenants can navigate the aftermath of a break-in more smoothly, ensuring a quicker and more effective resolution.

Is the landlord liable to break-ins?

The common concern for both landlords and tenants revolves around determining responsibility for property damage. As previously mentioned, insurance covers the theft of tenants’ possessions. However, when it comes to the damage to the property itself, several factors come into play.

Residential lease agreements sometimes incorporate clauses that outline procedures in the event of a burglary. If the landlord’s partial responsibility is established, such as the inadequate maintenance of locks or doors, the landlord assumes the responsibility for covering the damages.

Conversely, if the tenant fails to inform the landlord about the incident or neglects to provide a police report, it is likely that the tenant will be held accountable for the incurred damages. In such cases, communication and documentation become pivotal in determining the party responsible for addressing the aftermath of a burglary.