Being a victim of a burglary is a terrible experience and a scary situation for all those who are involved. Tenants will understandably be very shaken after this incident has taken place, which is why it is very important for landlords to take the proper steps to rectify the situation from a safety, financial and emotional perspective. Here are three steps you should follow if there is a burglary at your rental property.
Respond Quickly & Alert 911
If the tenant calls you, urge them to not enter the property and alert 911. You may feel naturally inclined to enter the property and begin cleaning. However, it’s best to get the police department involved and have them survey the property to ensure everything is safe.
If there has been a burglary at your rental property, it’s important to be empathetic and to approach tenants in a delicate manner. Try not to express any specific responsibilities until the police have had a chance to investigate and establish the facts.
Call Insurance Companies
Once the initial threat has been handled by the police, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company to notify them about what has happened.
You should encourage your tenants to contact their provider also, even if only a few things were taken. Renter’s insurance is extremely valuable to tenants in cases like this, as it’s usually the only way that their financial losses can be recovered. Ensure that both parties check their policies and coverage. You can store online copies of your insurance policies on our software, which you can find more information about here.
Repair Any Damages As Quickly As Possible
You should repair any property damage that involves security such as broken doors or smashed windows, as soon as possible. This is to avoid further break-ins and security breaches. It is important to act quickly as your tenant will be looking to you for support and professionalism. It’s a landlord’s responsibility to provide a safe place for tenants to live, whether it is in writing or not.
If your rental is not safe and habitable, you may be liable in a lawsuit.
Read our previous blog post here: Landlord Hacks You Should Know