Of the many responsibilities you have as a landlord, ensuring the safety and security of your residents is at the top of the list. You know this, but if you’re new to property management, you could be wondering how exactly you should secure your premises. Even if you’re a long-time landlord just looking for a refresher, here are safety features your rental property can’t go without.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Every rental property should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in strategic locations, such as in bedrooms and common areas. These devices are critical for protecting tenants from fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning. Once you install these devices, stay on top of testing and replacing their batteries to ensure they always work.

Access control systems

Controlling who has access to your rental property prevents unwanted visitors from walking in and using or exploiting your tenants’ homes, resources, and amenities. Access control systems come in many forms, but all of them reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential criminal activity.

One potential option is a key fob system, which is extremely common for apartment complexes. Learning about what proximity key fobs are and how they work can help you decide if they’re the right choice for your property.

Bright outdoor lighting

Good lighting around the exterior of a rental property can deter potential intruders and increase the overall safety of the area. Motion-activated floodlights and well-lit walkways deter crime. Plus, lighting makes the area safer for residents to walk and makes it look nicer at all times of the day.

Security cameras

Security cameras are another must-have safety feature. Cameras placed at entry points and in common areas can act as a deterrent to crime while providing evidence in the event of an incident.

Modern cameras often come with remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere.

Fire extinguishers

Having readily accessible fire extinguishers is a legal requirement and essential for preventing small fires from becoming catastrophic. Make sure tenants have fire extinguishers within easy reach and that they know how to use them.

As with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, conduct regular inspections to ensure that all extinguishers are in good working condition.

These are the safety features your rental property can’t go without because they form the backbone of general property protection. Prioritizing safety in these ways ultimately leads to a more secure, reliable, and valuable investment for you and your tenants.