Vandalism is one of the most horrifying things that can befall any property owner; however, statistics show that it is one of the most common crimes to occur to property owners in Clearfield and the adjacent areas. In fact, roughly 15% of American homes are targeted by vandals each year. Vandalism such as graffiti and smashed mailboxes can cause expensive damage to a rental home, but it also intrudes upon a tenant’s sense of security and community spirit, not to mention the potential detriment of property values. For these whys and wherefores, preventing vandalism should be a top priority for landlords and property owners alike.
As a property owner, you have to make sure you do everything that you can to make sure your property is safe from vandalism. One of these ways is to install and maintain suitable exterior lighting. Vandals are particularly drawn to dark spaces, choosing to do their dirty work unnoticed. Motion sensor lights are notably good and can be an energy-efficient option that tenants will surely love.
If you have fences surrounding your property, another great method to discourage vandalism is to make sure that your fences are prepared by having a secure gate that locks. Vandals are on the lookout for easy targets, so if they have a hard time climbing over a fence or break through a locked gate, they will most likely stay away from your property.
As a natural deterrent, think about planting bushes or shrubs with rough bark, thorns, or pointy leaves in the areas surrounding the property. The extra greenery will improve the look of your property while simultaneously presenting a painful challenge to any unwanted visitors attempting to get overly close to the home.
Although it may sound a bit unusual, quality window coverings can keep the vandals away, too. Vandalism is a crime of opportunity; they will typically only attack if they think nobody is home. Making sure the windows are enclosed with blinds or drapes will raise doubts about whether or not someone is home, especially if a light or two is left on at all times. It just might convince them to look for another, easier target.
Lastly, if vandals do strike, it’s significant to make the necessary cleanups as soon as possible. These sorts of ne’er-do-wells enjoy having their handiwork scene and fussed over. If their damage is left as it is, they might become challenged, and will vow to return and make an even bigger, “better” mess. By painting over graffiti, repairing broken glass, and addressing any further damage right away, you are actively discouraging any vandals from returning.
By adhering these simple guidelines, you can keep your Clearfield rental homes from becoming an easy target for vandals. At Real Property Management Northern Utah, we offer full-service property management including monitoring your properties on a regular basis and arranging for repairs and maintenance should anything go wrong. If you would like more information on how to protect your home, please contact us online or by 801-546-1770 today.
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.
