The Ins and Outs of Installing a Security System as a Landlord
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
4 Questions & Answers about Smart Home Devices
Smart Home Technology Let’s face it; we are in love with our smartphones. According to Pew Research Center, more than 81% of Americans now own one; that is up from just 35% in 2011. With so much power in the palm of our hand, it’s not surprising that we want to use our smartphone for…
How Often Should You Check Your Smoke Detectors?
Fire Alarm Testing Whether your fire alarm is protecting your home or a commercial facility, regular testing of your fire alarm system is critical to ensure it is working correctly. This test guarantees that everyone occupying the home or office understands what to do when the fire alarm sounds, gives you a chance to check…
Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms
The International Code Council Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5 Business: Group B Educational: Group E Factory and industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2 High hazard: Groups H-1, H2, H3, H4, and H5 Institutional: Group I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-4 Mercantile: Group M Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Storage: Groups S-1 and…
Why Fire Sprinkler, Extinguisher, and Backflow Inspections Matter
At FSS Technologies, we believe that safety isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our commercial fire protection services are designed to give your business peace of mind, knowing that your properties, people, and assets are secure and compliant with fire and life safety codes. We specialize in fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and backflow preventer inspections…
Motion Detector Installation Basics
Motion detection devices are a crucial component of any security system, commercial or residential. They allow owners to cover a relatively large amount of space with a small number of devices. Motion detectors also are known to detect activity that window sensors might miss. When it comes time to install motion detection devices, remember these…
Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal
The Difference in Security Cameras Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Why you ask? Consider these differences: Various types and sizes of cameras Indoor vs. outdoor cameras Cameras that are easy to camouflage Cameras that provide high-quality video footage Wired cameras vs….
Will CCTV Work Without Internet?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a TV system where the signal isn’t publicly broadcast but is watched and monitored, usually for surveillance and security purposes. From city streets and highways to retail stores and banks, CCTV cameras are placed in most places to protect property and deter crime. Learn whether a commercial CCTV system can work…
Why Cheaper Isn’t Better When It Comes to Security
What is DIY Security? The development of home security technology using wireless transmission connections and battery power has made it possible for DIY options to enter the home security market. One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY home security is that it is so easy that a person with absolutely zero background on audiovisual equipment…
Can I Install a Security System with Monitoring in my Apartment?
The most recent FBI data estimates that there are over 1.2 million burglaries a year, resulting in around $3.4 billion in property loss. Although property crime as a whole has been on the decline, the rise in popularity of video doorbells and more comprehensive and integrated home security systems shows that Americans are no less…