Article Summary:

Article Content:

Landlords risk the possibility of being held responsible for criminal acts that occur on their property. Limit the chance of being liable in this situation by taking preemptive steps and then reacting appropriately if something does occur.

Security Laws

It’s important that landlords start with an awareness of state and local laws regarding tenant safety and then follow those laws to the T, installing proper locks, lighting and other safety precautions.

Tenant Education

Provide tenants with an information sheet that gives them tips to help prevent crime, you may even want to incorporate this information into regular newsletters, common area bulletin postings, and tenant meetings. Keep tenants vigilant and cautious as well.

Listen

Listen to tenants, professional contacts, local governmental officials, police officers or anyone who talks about crime in the area. Learn about the most common types and frequency of crime in your area and take steps to prevent it. Follow up on tenant security issues as promptly as possible.

Handle Tenants

If you have tenants engaging in illegal activities it’s important to take steps to immediately remedy the situation. Even if a tenant is paying rent on time and doesn’t require a lot of attention, if they’re committing crimes on your property and you know about it you can be held responsible. They’re also inviting an unknown quantity onto your property which could be catastrophic.

photo credit:?conner395

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Avoid Responsibility for Crime on your Property

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