how much should i worry about vacancy security?

how much should i worry about vacancy security? by jimbo (CA) on March 27, 2012 @21:22

I've got a vacant SFH that isn't getting enough exposure via my online/print ads. I've avoided putting a 'for rent' sign in front for fear that it 'marks' this house as vacant and therefore might become a target for squatters, vandals, appliance thieves, etc... I check up on the house 2-3 times a week and also traded phone numbers with a neighbor but that gives me little comfort when I picture what can happen in 48-72 hours while I'm not there. This is my only rental so I can't spread the risk around - if something happens to this it's a pretty big deal to me.

Now, a couple doors down 'my competition' today has put up a coming soon 'for rent' sign - has me considering it again.

I'm in a nice middle-class hood, on a cut-thru street (great for eyes seeing sign) but also close to a high school which can be a source of trouble.

Thoughts from those who use signs/don't as far as it exposing me to more than just prospects?

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Re: how much should i worry about vacancy security? by Daniel (CA) on March 27, 2012 @23:01	[ Reply ]

did you think about getting ADT security system?

Re: how much should i worry about vacancy security? by Anonymous on March 28, 2012 @01:03	[ Reply ]

I had a similar situation to yours although my rental is halfway across the country. I was concerned about having an empty SFH even though the neighborhood is good. I signed up for cheap DSL service and bought a < $100 Internet connected security camera (foscam is the brand). I then configured the camera to send me an email alert with photos when it detects motion. The emails come to my smart phone and the phone is setup to sound an alert upon those messages being received. I could connect to the camera and control it right from an app on the phone. This provided me with a live video stream and I could move the field of view in any direction on demand. Even better, this thing has amazing IR night vision. It's the next best thing to being there and all for minimal cost. As a bonus, I was able to be alerted to and see when agents were bringing prospective tenants through the house. I figured if someone did break in, the camera would alert me so I could call the police and I'd also have the still photos to help identify the perp(s). A few days prior to the new tenants taking possession, I simply cancelled the DSL and put the camera away.

Re: how much should i worry about vacancy security? by OK-LL on March 28, 2012 @08:58	[ Reply ]

I had a similar concern with vacancies here because of the theft of copper wire and a/c units. I had to balance the cost of the replacement with the cost of being vacant for extended periods due to lack of on-sit "for rent" signs. Turns out, if a townhouse or SFH is vacant for an extra month or two because of the reduced traffic without a yard sign, I could have replaced the copper or the a/c unit. So it's a crapshoot -- if the sign significantly improves your chances of renting, it may be worth the risk.

Re: how much should i worry about vacancy security? by Jimbo (CA) on March 28, 2012 @14:15	[ Reply ]

Thanks guys - all good points. Would like to do the alarm but it benefits me far less once rented unless T pays higher rent for it - as I'll be locked into a 2 yr contract. Anyway - you've given me food for thought as I know exactly how much a vacant unit costs me and it's quite a bit.

Re: how much should i worry about vacancy security? by Jon on March 28, 2012 @16:35	[ Reply ]

Check with your insurance company. Mine is voided (well severely limited) when not occupied. I have to notify them when it is vacant for more than 30 days. They then switch me to a more expensive policy.

Re: how much should i worry about vacancy security?