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- Unplug the garage door opener – Burglars can use universal garage door remotes to open the door and break into the property. Prevent this from happening by unplugging the garage door before leaving.
- Unplug smart devices – Switch off and unplug all your smart appliances, along with anything not plugged into a surge protector. Crooks now use smart appliances as tools in hacking your network. They use these devices to gather information or even open a door. Unplugging smart devices can save money and protect against power problems while you’re on your trip because there are TVs and charging units that continue to draw power despite being switched off.
- Set up a security system – This has a number of advantages including insurance benefits and peace-of-mind. Yet more than that, security systems are affordable. This means you can stay in the know while gone for a low cost.
- No spare keys outside – Hiding a spare key in easy-to-find areas like under the welcome mat, in the light fixture, or taped to the window is pointless. Never allow anyone to have easy access to your property.
- Hold the mail –Your rental may continue to receive mail, such as junk mail, even if no one is around. Unchecked mail may accumulate and fill your mailbox, thus alerting thieves that nobody is around. But, USPS helps out by giving you the option online to temporarily hold mail.
- Social media tips – We usually don’t associate social media with San Diego property management. But burglars today can stalk landlords via social media to see whether they’re on vacation. There’s no need to publish your travels to the world. If you want to share your adventures with your friends, your social media accounts can be kept private. Having strong social media privacy settings can ensure that only your close friends and family know about your vacation.
- Time the lights – Indoor light timers are an inexpensive way to make it seem as though someone is home even though no one is. A timing unit turns the lights on. This then makes people think that someone is in the house, especially if some lights go on and off at different periods.
- Seek help – Before your trip, ask one of your rental home’s neighbors to put your trash bins out. You can also ask them to just visit the property when you’re not around. This gives the impression that somebody is inside the home. The more it looks that someone is around your vacant rental property, the lower the chance that criminals will consider doing damage.
Following the above tips can help protect your rental property while you enjoy your vacation.
Would you like to learn more about the San Diego property management services that Realevate Specialists have to offer? Please contact us for more information. You can also call 858-997-2100 (Mission Valley) or 951-461-0100 (Temecula).