Southwestern Management And Realty Team

Is it Time to Install Alarm Systems in Your Rental Properties?

las vegas property managementAlthough you may feel that your rental properties are located in some of the better Las Vegas neighborhoods, there are a number of crime statistics that may convince you to think about installing alarm systems in the near future.  The cold hard truth is that a burglary occurs every 18 seconds which equates to 1.7 million per year.  The result is an astounding $4 billion dollar loss in property every year.

Profile of the Average Burglar/Burglary

As if this weren’t enough to convince you, think about this fact: More than 50% of the people who plan to burglarize your home live within 2 miles of it!

Here are some more statistics to be aware of regarding the average burglary:

 

  • 2/3 of all burglaries are non-violent in nature
  • 56% of all burglars are Caucasian
  • 95% of all burglars are male
  • Average age of a burglar – 25
  • Greatest percentage of all burglaries occur in summer during the daytime when no one is home or are on vacation
  • Most common items stolen – cash, firearms, ID’s, jewelry, medications, tech items (e.g. smartphones and tablets)
  • Most common motive for burglary – quick cash for scoring drugs
  • Tools of the trade include crowbars, hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers

Ironically, the average burglar is an amateur, not a professional.  Furthermore, there’s a strong possibility that you’ve seen your future burglar in your neighborhood, yet you had no idea that you were looking at them.

Common Entry Points

Unfortunately, burglaries have become commonplace, especially in densely populated areas like Las Vegas and other large cities.  This doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to protect your tenants and their valuables.  Knowing the common entry points is a great way to determine what you need to do in order to keep that burglar out of your home.  The following areas should be secured:

 

  • back doors
  • first floor windows
  • front doors
  • sliding glass doors

Having an alarm system installed is a great way to not only protect your tenants and their belongings, but it may deter burglars from even setting foot on your property.

7 Mistakes to Avoid

In most cases, burglaries occur because property owners and tenants alike make one or more of these 7 mistakes:

 

  • Broken or non-functioning alarm systems
  • Flaunting your valuables
  • Hiding an entry key
  • Installing cheap locks
  • Leaving your rental property vacant for too long
  • Not having your mailbox emptied while no one is home
  • Sharing your location on social media

Why risk becoming a statistic.  Sit down with your property management company and discuss improving the security of your rental homes today.  If you haven’t hired one yet, sit down with your tenants and discuss these matters. It is important to ensure security on all your properties and start with the basics so that the tenants feel secure.

Make the “SMART” Choice with Southwestern Management And Realty Team

las vegas property management

SMART Rental Qualifications

The following are Southwestern Management And Realty Team’s (SMART) guidelines for renting a property through SMART. Each and every application will be reviewed by a member of SMART and could be adjusted depending on credit/income and the application itself. Please be truthful!

Rental Qualifications

  • Applicant MUST be 18 years or older and application fee is $65.00 per person and is non-refundable.

Credit

  • Minimum score of 650
  • No EVICTIONS in the past 5 years
  • No utility collections (gas, power, water)

Income Verification

  • Income MUST be 3 times the monthly rent for good credit 650+ and 4 times if applicant has poor credit but good income.
  • MUST be verifiable
  • MUST be with current employer for at least 6 months.
    **If self-employed—CPA financial statements and/or tax returns are acceptable.

Employment History

(you could be required to show proof if requested, paycheck stubs, etc.)

  • Verifiable employment history for the past 3 years
    **If self-employed/retired/not employed—can verify income with signed tax returns and/or bank statements.

Rental History Verification

  • Verify for the past 3 years
  • Must provide: Landlord Names, and phone number, email (if available) on the online application.

Criminal Background Check

SMART does check—Criminal, Sex Offender and Terrorist database

  • NO sex offenders
  • NO crimes—violent crimes, prostitution, domestic violence, possession of weapons or illegal drugs

Pets

MUST be 30 pounds & under & absolutely no violent breeds—ask SMART for the Pet Policy

  • 2 pets max
  • NO ferrets or snakes
  • NO Dangerous, poisonous or illegal pets
  • NO aquariums larger than 10 gallons

Emotional Support pets are NOT considered a Service Animal and not under ADA laws.

SERVICE ANIMALS ARE OF COURSE ACCEPTED AND WILL REQUIRE THE PROPER GOVERNMENT ISSUED DOCUMENTATION.