Should You Have Security Systems on Your Rental Properties? | Pros and Cons
Should You Have Security Systems on Your Rental Properties? | Pros and Cons
Home security systems seem like a universally good idea. They provide added protection and lower insurance rates. But the issue becomes more complex when you’re talking about a rental home. People feel differently about a security system installed and managed by someone other than the resident family. So the question is: should you install security system for your rental property?
It’s important to weigh your options, costs, pros and cons, and the likely response from your tenants as you make this decision.
Pros and Cons of a Rental Home Security System
Pros
- Lower insurance rates for comprehensive security
- Security systems discourage crime and mischief
- Greater protection for your property and tenants
- Record of activities surrounding the house
- Protecting a home during renovations and vacancies
Cons
- Significant upfront installation costs
- Tenants may be uncomfortable
- Cost of monitoring or maintenance
Security System Installation Costs
The cost to install a basic outdoor security system is becoming more approachable. Camera resolution, digital storage, and data transmission technology are all increasing in quality and affordability. However, a comprehensive or managed security system still represnts a significant investment of a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For a live monitored system, expect an ongoing expense as well.
How Tenants Feel About Rental Home Security
Tenants often have mixed feelings about a security system installed by their landlord. To be fair, cameras watching your lifestyle controlled by someone else are something that could make anyone uncomfortable. Even if you turn over control to your tenants during their stay, they have every reason to believe that you still have admin access and could be watching their outdoor activities. Indoor cameras, of course, are out of the question.
However, other forms of security systems may be welcome. For example, tenants often appreciate locking gates, security codes, and other non-camera-related security measures designed to keep them and the house safe without any risk of invading their privacy.
Liability and Security Cameras
Landlords must also be acutely aware of liability issues for any property decision. While security cameras provide more security for your property, they come with some serious liability considerations. If your camera, even one pointed at a driveway or side yard can see through a window into a private room like a bedroom or bathroom, there are problems. Cameras that include neighbors in their scope may also create liability related to others’ privacy.
Liability also becomes an issue if you are storing or transmitting footage of private activities regarding either tenants or neighbors.
Alternatives to Security Camera Systems
The good news is that there are several effective alternatives to security camera systems. You can protect your rental properties and your tenants effectively without introducing the problems inspired by the cameras themselves.
These alternatives can still contribute to lower insurance rates from implementing effective home security emasures while your tenants remain comfortable and may even feel more secure as a result of the security system installation.
Motion-Activated Outdoor Lights
One of the reasons motion-activated lights are so commonly seen is their simple and non-invasive protective results. No thief wants to be spotlighted as they sneak up to a house, and people often appreciate a little extra light when coming home late. Motion-activated lights effectively discourage mischief. They will even chase off wild animals from causing trouble in the yard while making tenants feel safe in the dark.
Entrance Detection Security Systems
You can also install a security system that detects open doors and windows. Commonly known as house alarms, entrance detection security systems keep track of whether doors and windows are closed and locked. Tenants who enjoy a high degree of home security will gladly take over house alarm management, and feel more protected by the system. This allows you to closely monitor entry to the home without pointing cameras toward your tenant’s private indoor spaces.
Tenants are also less worried that the landlord may have some remaining control over a house alarm system compared to camera access. Especially if the system beeps with every door opening even for someone who has the code.
Temporary Camera Installations for Renovations and Vacancies
The final consideration is home security during times when the property is either vacant or more vulnerable during renovations. One of the biggest advantages of a camera security system is that you gain added protection and the ability to monitor a home when a tenant is not in residence. You can ensure no one has tried to illegally move in to your vacant property or interfere with renovation materials overnight.
Fortunately, with the modularity of modern camera systems, it is entirely possible to temporarily install a camera security system during times of vacancy and then remove the cameras again before your next tenant moves in.