Installing a security system is a good and smart idea. But there are also many important things to consider before moving forward. For you to make the right choice for your properties regarding home security systems for your rentals, you should know everything from tenant privacy to cost and everything in between.
Installing a home security system may seem like a great idea because a tenant’s sense of security would be increased in the rental home. But before anything else, as a Baltimore City property owner, it is important to consider all the parameters before deciding that a security system is a correct decision for the rental property.
The cost is one important thing to consider. Security companies often offer low-cost installation, but then require a monthly monitoring fee or other expenses. Also, before you make a decision, you should know who will be responsible for paying any related fees before deciding whether to install a security system in a Baltimore City rental property. A security system may be necessary to keep your property and your tenants out of danger especially in areas where crime rates are high.
Since people have many different points of view, a security system could send a wrong message. Then we cannot deny the cost. Security system costs are part of your monthly cash flows if you are paying for this service. However, if you expect the tenant to pay for it, make sure they agree to do so before signing the lease. If you simply assume they will pay for it, but the tenant doesn’t want to, you may run into problems.
On the other hand, a security system may not be at the forefront of the tenant’s mind. One reason is the neighborhood is safe so a security system is unnecessary. Also, some may not have the energy to learn how to use the system correctly and eventually give up out of frustration. You don’t want to install a system that does little to enhance security on the property.
There are times when a tenant prefers to choose his or her own security company and opts to install those security measures rather than your security system. For many tenants, a home security system linked to their smartphone offers control and convenience enabling them to do this themselves.
Issues of privacy should not be left out of the picture. With the technology these days, security systems come with integrated cameras. These systems may be easy on the wallet but it is important to remember that it is illegal to take photos or videos in any area where your tenant would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
If you install security cameras around the exterior of the rental house, make sure they are placed in such a way that the parts of the property that are not meant to be captured stay that way. It is best to check with the neighbors before installing exterior cameras to ensure that they know and are comfortable with which areas of the property are being recorded.
In the end, meeting the needs of the tenants should be a priority when choosing to install a home security system in your rental property. But if you carefully consider all the parameters that come into play, you would eventually come to a decision that is beneficial to your investment properties. Contact us online or call 410-415-1736 to speak with one of our Baltimore City property managers today.