Landlord Security System Installation Guide
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments a person can make. You upgrade your home in many ways—a fresh coat of paint, a landscaping project, or possibly adding a security system.
If you go a step further and invest in rental properties, you have to do all those things and more to keep both your tenants and property safe. A security system makes sense if you want to protect your investment.
Why Should You Install a Security System at Your Rental Property
A security system provides peace of mind for both you and your tenants, gives your property a competitive edge in a crowded market, and is a value-added feature that allows you to (rightfully) charge more for rent. Need some more justification? Here are a few common reasons landlords install security systems:
Keep an eye on tenants—sometimes renters exceed the allowable occupancy or have huge parties. The landlord has a right to document those violations.
Hold contracted workers accountable—some workers clock in late, clock out early, or don’t show up at all. No matter what the situation, it’s always helpful to verify the service on your property.
Prevent theft and vandalism.
Monitor when vacant—there will be times when there are no renters, and you want to ensure no one is accessing your property without permission.
Landlord Best Practices
Be sure you research and follow any local and state laws regarding security cameras and where landlords can install them. Every state has different laws in place to ensure the privacy of tenants.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a Washington D.C. organization that provides pro bono legal representation to protect First Amendment freedoms, reports “unauthorized installation or use of hidden cameras is a felony punishable by fines and up to two years in prison.”
Below are three best practices to keep in mind for a security system at your rental property:
Know the code—This means if the tenant changes it, they must notify you. You should always have access to the property. There may be an emergency; you may have to schedule repairs or show the property again if a tenant leaves.
Teach your tenants how to use the system—this will minimize wasteful and annoying false alarms, which will, in turn, help keep your monitoring fees from going up because of excessive calls.
Put a security clause in your lease—it’s a great way to document that your tenants know there is a system on-site, and it protects you against claims of secretive recording.
When you decide to install a security system at your rental property, FSS Technologies is ready to help every step of the way. See some of our solutions for homes and businesses.
Explore Our Other Blogs
ADT Home Security Settlement
ADT home security is facing a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that ADT failed to disclose wireless sensors’ vulnerability to evasion and jamming. Why should you care? Although this settlement is for ADT, this is a vulnerability all wireless security systems face. Let’s talk about wireless technology for a second. All home Wi-Fi networks are…
DIY Security Systems
DIY home security systems have been on the market for years, offering homeowners the ability to order and install a simple-to-use system for their property. A DIY system often boasts cheap and easy security solutions for a home but are not the right fit for all homes. Cost-Benefits As with almost everything in life, cheaper isn’t…
Most Common Causes of House Fires
A house fire can be a life-altering event that some may never fully recover from. The best way to protect your home and family from a fire is to educate yourself about the risks and how to prevent them. We all know the essential forms of prevention and protection, like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers,…
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
What Causes False Alarms on Home Security Systems
False alarms on home security systems are not only an annoyance for homeowners, but they take up the valuable time and resources of our local law enforcement officials. In fact, many cities and towns now charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. In order to save you the frustration and potential financial hit, let’s look…
How to Deter Burglars
While owning a home security system automatically decreases your chances of being burglarized, there are many common mistakes and oversights that can compromise its reliability. Here are the most important safety precautions you can take in conjunction with your security system to ensure your home is safe from thieves. Create the Illusion that Someone is…
Fire Safety for Kids
Setting up fire alarm systems and fire monitoring are fundamental elements in your home’s fire safety plan. However, that is only the beginning. Educating your children on fire prevention, fire safety, and how to manage an emergency are vital in keeping your family safe. According to the American Red Cross, not only are children under five…
How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?
Fire sprinkler systems work by detecting heat from fires and releasing water to extinguish them. Different components work together in various configurations to boost a structure’s fire and life safety measures. Learn how a fire sprinkler system works, what your options are, and why it’s a necessary investment for your business. What are the main…
Why Night Staff Should Have Fire Alarm Training
In the years that I traveled as a Sales Representative, I experienced many times when a fire alarm would go off throughout the night. As the hotel guests evacuated, I often found that the night staff didn’t know what to do. In almost every case, it was an accidental alarm, and in many cases, night…