If you’re a landlord, the security of your rental property is extremely important. You want your tenants and their families to relax and feel safe in the home you’re providing for them. If you’re getting your rental ready for new tenants, you may want to add or update the security measures to ensure your tenants have peace of mind.

To guide you through the process, the capable team from MTD Property Management has put together a few quick and easy steps that you can consider implementing. 

Check Entry Points 

The easiest way for an intruder to access a home is through the front and back doors. It’s easy to forget to lock the door when you’re going about your daily activities. Chat with your tenants about the importance of always locking the doors when they are inside and double-checking locks when they leave for an errand. 

As the landlord, you may also consider upgrading the locks on your doors. Using a key might not be enough. Consider installing a deadbolt and make sure that the door frame and hinges are high-quality and not decaying from weather, age, or normal wear and tear. 

You should also check that all the windows in the home have functioning locks. Everyone wants to come home to a house with great airflow, especially in the summer. However, you might be attracting possible theft by leaving your windows open for the whole day. 

Update the Security System

Most thieves are repeat offenders who survive by staying away from the police’s radar. Therefore, should they see a security system installed in your home, they are a lot more likely to stay away. 

Security systems are not only ideal for spotting suspicious people on your lawn but they can also spot movement when they are installed with motion sensors. If you partner with a good security company, your tenants can opt to receive alerts when there’s movement on camera.

Sound expensive? Not necessarily. There are many good options on the market currently.  The team at MTD Property Management can recommend several reputable contractors in the Chicago area who can offer you a good price for a new security system. 

Store Valuables Safely 



Some thieves are looking for an easy score; one they don’t have to work so hard for. This typically occurs when homeowners leave their valuables in the open. For example, bikes in the yard, electronics and jewelry near windows, and purses in the front hallway. 

Recommend to your renters that they keep valuable items away from windows. You can also offer to purchase your tenants blinds, window treatments, or even a safe for the home. This will keep your tenants, their valuables, and your property investment safe. 

Install Security Lights 

Burglars prefer keeping to shadows and that’s why they operate mostly at night. They can easily move in the shadows and position themselves to enter and exit your house without being spotted. You can take away that advantage by installing security lights outside your rental property. 

To avoid high electricity bills, don’t install lights that are on for an entire night. Consider using motion sensors that detect movement and light up the yard. The sudden illumination will scare off any potential intruder and can work as a silent alarm system. 

Safely Keep an Extra Key



Everyone is bound to get locked out of their house at least once or twice. People often store an extra key under a flowerpot or doormat. Those locations are too common and might easily be spotted by unwanted visitors. Consider an alternative and ask a reliable neighbor to keep an extra key for you. 

If your tenants are new to the area and are yet to develop good relationships, recommend a discrete location that is some distance from the front door. You may also want to purchase a lockbox for the key that requires a code. 

Also, make sure you let your tenants know that you have an extra key and can always be called in case of an emergency. This can also help you create a positive relationship with your tenants.

Insurance 

Another sure way of protecting appliances, valuables, and your investment property is by getting an insurance policy. Depending on the terms of the insurance, part or all of the replacement cost may be covered.   

From our experience in the industry, there are no two policies that are exactly the same. Read and re-read the fine print to ensure that you understand what is covered under the insurance policy. 

Conclusion 

From the information detailed above, you can appreciate the amount of time and energy needed to keep your home and investment safe. You might need to make changes to the doors and windows, and probably install new security lights to keep malicious parties at bay. Not all property owners have the time and energy to meet the requirements here. 

Why not work with the leading property management company in Chicago? MTD Property Management has almost three decades of property management experience under our belt. Using our network, we can provide sound, professional advice to guide the security upgrades or renovations that you need. 



Get in touch with us today to speak with one of our able and expert property managers. We are ready to become your property management partner!