A vacant property tends to hold a lot of appeal in the eyes of criminals looking for an opportunity. When you have a vacation property or rental, there may be long periods of time where you're away from it. This means you need to take all the necessary precautions to properly protect your investment.
The following are some of the key things to know about keeping a vacant property secure, particularly if you use it as a vacation home or you rent it out part of the time.
Get to Know the Neighbors
There are plenty of security solutions that involve technology, but there are also some low-tech ways you can keep your vacant vacation home safer and more secure. Getting to know your neighbors and having a good relationship with at least a few of them is one of the ways you can give yourself peace of mind when you're away from your property.
If you have any year-round neighbors, that's best.
Exchange contact information with them, including phone numbers and email addresses. That way, at a minimum, they can let you know if they see anything out of the ordinary while you're away.
If there's anything extremely suspicious going on, they can also contact the police.
You can send your neighbors a schedule if you rent your property out, so they'll know when it's occupied and when it's empty.
If you really trust a neighbor, you might give them a spare key so they can go in and check the interior of the home from time to time if you're going for long periods between visits.
While giving a trusted neighbor, a spare key can be a good idea leaving a key under your mat or any other exterior hiding place is a bad idea.
Secure Windows and Doors
Some of the easiest ways a criminal can break into a vacant home are through windows or doors that have inadvertently been left unlocked. Around 40% of all the burglaries that happen in the U.S. are characterized as unforced entries, meaning the home was left open.
Doors with keyless entry locks are a good option. If your property has sliding glass doors, secure them with a bar.
You should make sure that every window and door is secured when you leave the property, and property managers or housekeepers should do the same.
Use a Light Timer
One of the best ways to deter a would-be criminal from attempting a break-in at your vacation home is to make it look like someone's there at all times, even when they're not.
You can use automated timers on your lights to achieve this.
If you rent the property out, you should make sure you include instructions for your guests on how to turn these off while they're there.
Clever criminals do observe for patterns, so you should think about setting your timers at different times, rather than having lights come on at the exact same time every day.
Use a Security System
You can install a security system that will keep your vacation home safe and will also qualify you for a discount on homeowner's insurance.
The costs of a security system can vary widely.
Features to look for include door and window sensors, as well as motion sensors. Mobile features will allow you to arm and also disarm your security system no matter where you are, and sirens are a good way to scare off an intruder.
Surveillance Systems
If you have a vacation property that you don't rent out to guests, you might use surveillance cameras.
If you do rent it out, you can't put cameras inside. You have to maintain the privacy of your renters, and by using interior surveillance cameras or equipment, you could be breaking your legal obligations.
If you have any exterior surveillance equipment, you should notify your guests. Vrbo and Airbnb require this. If any active recording is taking place and you don't let your renters know, they might be able to get a free cancellation or full refund for their reservation.
Of course, if you don't rent your vacation home out, you can use inside and outside cameras.
When you're choosing surveillance equipment, you want options that offer high-definition video quality and, if possible, mobile remote control. Weather resistance is another feature you need.
Using technology and smart home apps lets you keep an eye on your vacation investment, even if you're hundreds of miles away from it or more.
Be Careful with Who You Hire
If you have a vacation rental, you're going to have to hire a cleaning service.
When you're hiring cleaning or maintenance services, you have to think not only about the quality they provide but also whether or not you can trust them with your property. A company is going to tend to be more reliable and secure than an independent contractor in many cases. Most of the time, a company will also have employees who are licensed, bonded, and insured.
You should ask for several references before you hire anyone.
You should also be clear and explicit with instructions for entering and then locking up and leaving home.
Use a Gate
In some situations, and particularly if your vacation rental is a standalone home or is a foreign country, you might consider installing a gate. A high gate with an electric lock is not only a good deterrent to would-be criminals but can also be an appealing amenity for guests.
Finally, it's important that, along with housekeepers and maintenance, people understand the rules of coming and going to your property that, similarly, your guests know what the rules are. There should be rules about not allowing access to additional guests or having parties.
Guests should also be reminded to check windows and doors before they leave.
Having a good insurance policy is another added layer of protection in the event that something does happen, but it's better overall to be proactive and try to avoid the situation altogether.
