There are plenty of ways you can protect your Brainerd investment properties from vandalism. However, despite best efforts, there is never a guarantee. With roughly 15% of homes targeted by vandals each year, it is likely that one or more of your rental homes may eventually be hit.
It can be disheartening to find your property a victim of vandalism; it’s easy to feel a sense of violation and frustration as you discuss the matter with the authorities and your insurance company. On top of all that, you have to make sure you are coordinating with the right people to make the repairs, at the same time provide reassurance to your renter who is reasonably just as upset as you. Being aware of what can be done when vandals strike can help restore your sense of confidence and make navigating the recovery process just a bit easier.
In the aftermath of vandalism, it is important to contact the local authorities and file a police report. Your tenants may take it upon themselves to make the call, or they will let you know and expect you to take charge. Regardless, as the Brainerd property owner, you must communicate with the investigating police officers and make sure that all property damage is documented in an official report.
You have to make sure you have documentation of the vandalism for yourself and your insurance company. Taking a lot of detailed pictures of the damage is an excellent way to do this. If in case you live far and are unable to go to the property yourself right away, you might have your tenant or your property management company handle the documentation.
Unless the vandalism is triggered by your renters or one of their guests, it will be your responsibility to make sure the necessary repairs are being arranged. Close coordination with your insurance company is an important step in the process; they need to be in the loop too as soon as the damage occurs. Before the possibility of vandalism happening to your property, it is a good idea to make sure that your landlord insurance policy covers this type of damage. If not, you may have to pay for the repairs yourself.
Finally, vandalism can frighten a tenant, leaving behind not only the physical damage but also feelings of fear or anxiety. Their sense of security has been violated, and they may need both reassurance from you that things will be taken care of as well as visible evidence that you or your property management company are working hard to restore both the rental property and their ability to live safely in it.
At Real Property Management Deluxe, one of our top priorities is keeping both your tenant and your rental property safe from vandalism and other preventable damage. But if vandals do make a mess, we will handle the entire documentation and recovery process for you and make sure that your property is renovated as soon as possible. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or call us at 218-454-7962 for details.
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