10 Tips to Protect Your RENTAL PROPERTY When Your Tenants Are on Holiday

There is a good chance at some point during the year that your tenants may head off for a much-needed break, leaving your property empty, and potentially vulnerable.

The below will help ensure that your property remains protected while your tenants are away.

1. Knock, knock…who’s there?

Most burglaries take place when nobody’s home, so it is important to make sure the property appears to be occupied.

There are a few simple tricks for doing this, including setting timers on internal lights and investing in a television simulator light. These can act as visual deterrents by making thieves think someone is at home.

Ask your tenant to cancel regular deliveries, such as newspapers and if they plan to be away for a while, they may want to consider having post temporarily redirected so it’s not stacking up behind the door – particularly if it has a glass panel.

2. Neighbourhood watch

If you don’t live near to your investment property, good neighbours can be a valuable asset. Asking them to put the dustbin out on the appropriate day, or if they have a key, to open and close the curtains on a daily basis can help to create the illusion that someone is home.

3. Window shopping

The majority of burglaries aren’t pre-planned, so make sure there’s nothing left on display to tempt an opportunist thief. Always ask your tenant to store away valuable items, such as jewellery and electronic items, and to never leave money or important documents lying around. Blinds can help to reduce visibility, if your rental property doesn’t currently have them, consider fitting them, particularly on the ground floor windows.

4. Be alarmed

If the property has an alarm system, make sure your tenant knows how to use it and that it is set before they leave. It’s also a good idea to ask them to provide you with the security code so the property can still be entered in an emergency – they can always change the code when they return.

Window security is often overlooked but there are several types of window alarms that you can fit which detect and sound when a window is opened or broken. Just by having these visible from the outside can help to deter thieves from trying to enter, as it indicates that the rest of the house is probably quite secure.

5. Light it up

Well-lit areas are generally off-putting to would-be intruders so make sure the outside of the property is suitably lit. Security lights should be in full working order, with timers or motion sensors and double check that the nearest streetlights are working too.

6. Lock up and leave

It goes without saying, but you would be surprised to find that many people forget to lock their doors before going on holiday. Remind your tenant that they need to lock all external entry points, including doors and windows, and shut internal doors too. If the property has gates, a shed or a garage, ask tenants to lock these too, to prevent access to the premises.

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure all locks are fit for purpose, your tenant has a copy of the keys, and they are aware that they are expected to use them.

7. Access all areas

Before your tenant heads off on vacation, it’s wise to ask for their permission to enter the property in their absence. This can be useful in order to make sure everything is in working order and to troubleshoot maintenance issues, such as potential leaks. Even a small drip can cause a lot of damage if left undetected for a long period of time.

8. Anti-social media

It’s important that your tenant is selective in who they tell about their forth-coming trip, particularly when it comes to social media. Posting pictures and updates about a holiday online advertises to tech-savvy burglars that no one is home.

9. Police your policy

If your property is going to be empty for an extended period of time, your insurance company may need to be informed. Failing to do so could invalidate the policy, and any claims made could be affected. So, make sure to read your policy documents carefully – and don’t forget the small print!

10. Expert advice

If your tenant is going to be away for a long period of time and you would like additional advice, why not speak to your local ARLA Propertymark letting agent. They are experts in all things rental-related and will be able to give you the best tips to make sure your property is properly protected.

 

Link to the article: http://www.propertymark.co.uk/advice-and-guides/landlords/protect-your-home-when-your-tenants-are-on-holiday.aspx

Related articles: https://vaidleenrivera.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/benefits-of-purchasing-a-home-warranty/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

Article source here: 10 Tips to Protect Your RENTAL PROPERTY When Your Tenants Are on Holiday

9 tips to protect your home while you’re on holidays

By Sarah Lefebvre on Dec 12 2017

As the congested highways and busy airports around Australia will prove later this month, the Christmas – New Year period is a time when many of us decide to travel away for an annual holiday.

But there is more involved in preparing for that annual trip than simply packing enough beach towels or finding minders for the family cat.

Burglars are opportunistic in their activity; during Christmas, they are on the prowl.  Here are some tips to better protect your home during the holiday season.

1. Check and secure all locks & look like you’re at home

If you have faulty locks on any doors or windows or other entry points, replace them before you head off on your travels. When leaving, double check that all the locks are secured, and have another family member check as well.
Lock the back and side gates, activate your security system and bring the spare key that you have hidden outside, back indoors.

Mow your lawn just before leaving, lock the garage and shed, and keep the second car, if you have one, in the driveway.

2. Make your home look occupied

Thieves are drawn to dark spaces to hide their activity.  Consider installing outside motion detector sensor lights to come on if anyone walks up your path or near windows.  Add timer switches to some of your internal lights so they come on automatically for a period of time each night.  Adding one to the TV is also a good idea as the noise makes it sound like someone is home.

3. Monitor your home from your holiday

Modern IP monitored security systems allow homeowners to arm and disarm their alarm system remotely, receive instant notification of security breaches, manage and automate home appliances and visually check in your home. This is a smart (but expensive) way to enhance your home security but may be worth considering.

4. Cancel the post and deliveries

Having Christmas cards spilling out of the mailbox is an obvious sign no one is home. Think about redirecting or getting a hold put on your mail. And cancel newspaper deliveries, or ask your next door neighbour to take the newspaper off the front lawn.

5. Carefully discard Christmas packaging

Whilst you may be excited about the new large screen television sitting under the tree, and just as excited to get the bulky packaging it came in out of the house. But displaying the cardboard box it came in, complete with its make and style on the front kerb next to the garbage bin is bait for thieves. The better idea is to rip up the cardboard box into various pieces and place in a black plastic bag before the next garbage collection.

6. Don’t be too social

While the holidays are a time for us all to enjoy each other’s company, be circumspect in how you share your adventures.

Displaying Instagram photos from New York or checking in to your Facebook account from Fiji lets everyone know you’re not home. Don’t rely on privacy settings on social media to protect your home. Wait until you’ve returned home, then share your holiday snaps.

7. Talk to your trusted neighbours

Letting your neighbours know you will be away during the holidays and that they can contact you if anything was to happen to your property is a good idea.  If you have a good relationship with them, ask them to keep an eye on your place, bring in your garbage bins after you’ve left and collect the mail.

8. Check your insurance

Before you head off on holidays it’s worth making sure your home and contents insurance is up to date and paid.  It would be horrendous if you were robbed to find out you hadn’t paid your latest instalment.

9. Secure levels up high

First floor entry points are often easier to access for criminals and they know this.  Toeholds such as external air conditioners and window grills can help robbers gain access to upper levels. So make sure all the windows and doors are locked securely.

Highrise apartments are not always safe either.  While you may think you live 10 stories up, you are really only one storey above the balcony below yours.  So don’t get complacent, lock your apartment up securely – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

Link to the article: https://www.ljhooker.com.au/blog/latest-blog/december-2017/9-tips-to-protect-your-home-while-you%E2%80%99re-on-holida

Related articles: https://protectamericainc.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/list-of-home-protection-providers-in-america/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

Article source here: 9 tips to protect your home while you’re on holidays

How to protect your home whilst you’re on holiday

Joanna Whitehead | @MsWhitehead100

Friday 1 June 2018 15:46|

Holidays can be fun and exciting, but how much thought do you give to the home you’re leaving behind when you set off on your travels?

Alongside the mammoth laundry loads, organising travel, pet sitters and doing double the amount of work to compensate for your time away, the safety and security of your nest can be easy to overlook.

Our advice below will ensure you can leave your home safe in the knowledge that you’ve done all you can to safeguard your abode and its contents.

 

Tell a trusted friend, family member of neighbour that you’re going away

Having someone you trust to pop round, open and close curtains and blinds, collect post and, generally, alert any observers to some activity is generally agreed to be a good thing.

A pile of mail on the front door mat is a green light for potential intruders, so finding someone to collect this is a good call.

Giving your trusted person a key is always wiser than simply leaving a key underneath a doormat or plant pot – a rookie error, if ever there was one. This also enables someone to gain access to the property in the event of an emergency.

Don’t advertise your departure on social media

While it can be very tempting to advertise your impending departure on social media, it’s also a sure-fire way to draw attention to a vacant home.

If you simply can’t stomach the prospect of missing out on bragging rights whilst you’re poolside, consider changing your security settings to trusted friends and family for the duration of your trip.

Alternatively, turn off your location services and wait until your return home to upload any photographs.

Install timer switches

Make the most of smart tech to give the illusion of occupancy and deter potential intruders.

Smart plugs and light bulbs can be easily installed and programmed to switch electrical appliances on and off at particular times – much better than simply leaving a light on for the entirety of your time away.

Depending on the type of property you reside in, an outdoor security light can also be a worthy investment.

Cancel newspapers

Save yourself some cash, reduce your paper consumption and avoid drawing attention to a pile of newspapers on the doormat – another dead giveaway of an empty home.

Switch off plugs and ensure windows and doors are locked

A no-brainer for many, but there’s nothing worse than getting hours from home and being unable to shake the sense that you’ve left some straighteners plugged in.

Do a comprehensive sweep of your property to ensure everything that needs to be unplugged is (usually everything apart from your fridge-freezer).

Don’t forget the insurance!

This applies to both your trip and your home. In the event something does happen in your absence, making sure you’re fully covered for all eventualities will ensure you can rest easy and focus on the task of enjoying yourself.

Link to the article: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/home-security-holiday-safety-social-media-timers-a8379151.html

Related articles: https://baltimorechildabusecenter.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/holiday-hulabaloo-tips-tricks-for-keeping-kids-safe/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

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How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

You know the sound. It’s the terrible, ear-piercing “screeeech” your garage door makes every time it goes up and down. That horrible sound is actually the metal parts of your garage door wearing against each other over time. Cincinnati garage door maintenance isn’t difficult, and you don’t have to do it all that often; maybe once every two years. It turns out that just some mild lubrication can go a long way towards lengthening the life of your garage door and its components. Here is how to lubricate a garage door:

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 1:

Purchase a lithium-based grease or garage door spray, such as Blaster White Lithium Grease. WD-40 isn’t best for this type of lubrication, and won’t last as long. Aerosol cans of lubricant such as “Blaster” generally run anywhere from five to ten dollars. Additionally, one can should be more than enough to complete the job on your garage door.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 2:

Unplug your garage door opener, and use the emergency release cord to disengage the door from the opener. This will prevent the door from accidentally moving while you lubricate your garage door.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 3:

Clean the tracks of your garage door using a rag, a little dish soap, and water. The tracks don’t need to be lubricated, but they do need to be cleared of debris, spiderwebs, and other material that can get stuck inside of them from season to season. Vacuuming them before wiping them down may help if they are particularly dirty.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 4:

Spray a small amount of lubricant on the hinges of your garage door. It may be helpful to open the garage door slightly and apply the lubricant to the hinges as the sections of your door begin to pivot.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 5:

If you have white, nylon-coated rollers you do not need to lubricate them, as their bearings are sealed and already lubricated. If you have metal or black nylon rollers, spray a small amount of lubricant on the bearings or the shaft of the roller.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 6:

Spray the top of your door springs with an even coating of lubricant. Use a rag to spread the grease around the spring from top to bottom.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 7:

Apply a small amount of lubricant to the center of your bearing plates.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 8:

Re-engage your door to the opener, and plug your garage door opener back in.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 9:

Open and close your garage door two or three times. This will help distribute the lubrication across the important surfaces.

Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

If you would like some assistance maintaining your garage door, or have any other home repair needs, hail a Home Repair Hero! Our ProMaster craftsmen would love to help you with whatever issues you need taken care of. You can schedule service online, use the “reach out” form at the bottom of the page, or call 513-322-2914.

Link to the article: https://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/how-to-lubricate-a-garage-door-cincinnati-garage-door-maintenance/

Related articles: https://garagedoorrepairblog58583071.wordpress.com/2018/11/02/garage-door-maintenance-tips/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

Article source here: How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

How to protect your home, property from thieves during the holidays

Whether you’re out shopping or even at home, thieves are on the lookout for an opportunity to take your valuables.

So don’t let yourself become a victim.

It’s not the type of thing you want to think about during the holidays, but experts say a little precaution can go a long way.

Pearl City resident Kaimana Sasaki had her big screen television stolen from her garage last week.

Earlier this week, thieves broke into her truck and stole her purse inside with cash, credit cards, and other personal items.

“I’m not too sure how they broke in, but pretty much as you can see, the window is shattered,” Sasaki said. “We didn’t hear anything. My dogs actually woke us up, started barking. We didn’t hear any glass shattering. Our alarm didn’t go off, so they must have used something to crack the window, and when we found the window, there was actually a hole inside.”

She’s not sure if it’s just bad luck or her house was being watched, but she says the family has since installed security cameras around the house.

“It kind of hit home, because I have kids, and it’s kind of scary knowing that somebody’s around here watching me, or just coming by and looking through the neighborhood and stuff,” Sasaki said.

Michael Kitchens created and runs the Facebook page Stolen Stuff Hawaii, now with more than a hundred thousand members who report crime in their area.

He says reports of thefts go up three times as much starting in November.

“You just see a slow, steady (stream), where sometimes a post will sit at the top of the page, now it doesn’t around this time of the year,” Kitchens said. “It’s just constantly having posts leapfrog each other.”

Kitchens says in most cases, they are crimes of opportunity. Thieves see an easy way of getting to your valuables and they’re able to run off with it in a matter of seconds.

“Everything from just breaking into people’s mailboxes, car break-ins, burglary, robbery. It’s just people are so desperate this time of the year, I guess it’s whatever they can get,” Kitchens said.

Kitchens says you should never leave your purse or wallet in your car, even if it’s hidden and the car is locked. When shopping, don’t put your packages in the car until you’re ready to leave the parking lot. Thieves could be watching and break into the car when you walk away.

Don’t store keys for your house or car in a lock box, because thieves can get to them easily. Avoid leaving gifts under the tree until you’re ready to give them out.

HPD also recommends that you don’t post on social media when you’ll be away from home. Keep wrapped gifts away from windows, and break down boxes for large expensive items like TVs and computers before putting out the trash.

As always, you can report suspicious activity by calling 911.

 

Link to the article: https://www.khon2.com/news/local-news/how-to-protect-your-home-property-from-thieves-during-the-holidays_20180306071648997/1012642571

Related articles: https://homeautomationauckland.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/what-are-the-characteristics-of-a-good-smart-security-system/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

Article source here: How to protect your home, property from thieves during the holidays

Season for Thieving: 6 Tricks to Protect Your Home During the Holidays

By Holly Amaya | Nov 21, 2017

Some of us wait eagerly all year for the holidays and the jolly merriment that accompanies these few crazy weeks: the festive shindigs, the bottomless eggnog bowls, and the no-longer-so-ironic ugly sweaters. All of it might have you feeling like nothing can go wrong.

But as much as you’re looking forward to the holidays, so are the bad guys.

(Warning: Buzzkill ahead.)

Yes, that dizzying schedule of end-of-the-year fêtes and last-minute holiday shopping means you’re out of your home more often than in it, providing would-be burglars ample opportunity to case your place. And whether you’re checking in at a winter ski getaway or Instagramming that sweet Black Friday deal you just nabbed, your social media profile is also alerting the world that nobody’s home.

Don’t give the bad guys a holiday bonus! You can outsmart them and protect your home, as long as you know where you’re most vulnerable. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting to gather security experts’ top tips to keep your home—and everything in it—safe during the busy holiday season.

1. Lock it down

Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it bears repeating: If you’re going to be out of town, program your outdoor lights to switch on at dusk and off at dawn, keep your doors and windows locked, and set your alarm system, if you have one.

If you’re going on vacation, some experts recommend keeping a car parked in the driveway so it looks like someone’s home. To prevent your mailbox from overflowing while you’re away, have your mail held until you return.

In other words: Don’t make yourself a target.

2. Outsmart package thieves

“Packages sitting outside your door are like a billboard that screams ‘no one is home,’” says Justin Lavelle, chief communications director for BeenVerified, an online background check platform.

His recommendation? If you live in a city or high–foot traffic area, consider using an Amazon Locker, where you can pick up packages at your own convenience. (You can also have packages sent to your office address or, for U.S. Postal Service deliveries, held for pickup at a post office location.)

If you’re purchasing from a retailer with brick-and-mortar locations in your area, consider having your items shipped to the local store for pickup.

If that sounds like a lot of work, most shipping providers (including UPS and FedEx) allow you to postpone delivery until you know someone is home. UPS and FedEx also allow consumers to leave directions for where to drop off packages.

“Follow their shipping details so you know what date the delivery is anticipated, and leave a note attached to your door with where you want the delivery to be left,” he says. “Just make sure you write ‘For UPS’ or ‘For FedEx’ on the outside and fold the note over or put it in an envelope.”

Also, make sure the path to your door is open, clear, and visible to neighbors and the street.

“If thieves can shield themselves behind large bushes and decor such as large blowups and Christmas trees, it’s that much easier for them to go unnoticed,” Lavelle says.

3. Take a break from social media

Yes, we realize this is a tall order in today’s like-happy society. But trust us here: Smart thieves are watching not only your house, but also your social media channels. Be aware that when you trumpet that two-week holiday trip to Bali all over Facebook, you’re telling the world that your pad will be unattended.

The same logic applies to sharing photos of your home and your stuff: They tell would-be burglars what else you have in your home and if there’s something worth stealing.

And while you’re taking stock of your online profile, take a minute to adjust your privacy settings for event RSVPs as well.

“Anytime you publicly RSVP to parties, school events, concerts, or any other event, you’re giving an intruder an invitation to target your home,” Lavelle says. “Social media may not give away your home address, but with the internet it’s not hard to find out.”

4. Get smart

If you’ve been wavering on outfitting your home with the latest smart home technology, the holidays could be the perfect time to finally get on board. You’ll have the fun of a new gadget to play with, and the peace of mind that your home has some extra safeguards—even when you can’t be there.

The options are virtually endless: Consider a smart doorbell (like Ring’s video doorbell), which detects motion and provides a view of your front door from your smartphone. Or try the Maximus Smart Security Light, which sends real-time push alerts to your phone so you can see and speak to who’s lurking on your porch—or sound an alarm directly from an app, if necessary.

Want to control your lights with the swipe of a finger? Check out innovations like the Philips Hue smart lightbulbs, which allow you to operate your lighting from anywhere.

And if you’re looking for an all-in-one smart security solution, consider a system like Nest Secure, which combines a variety of self-installable cameras, motion sensors, and alarms and poses a serious threat to traditional, clunkier alarm companies.

5. Consider a home upgrade

Wood or glass can break easily under pressure from an intruder, says home security expert Sadie Cornelius of SafeSmartLiving.com. Consider upgrading your door to stainless steel.

If that doesn’t jibe with your aesthetic, make sure your deadbolt requires a key on both sides. Smart locks (like those from Schlage and Kwikset) are easy to install and provide an additional layer of security from would-be burglars.

And to better illuminate wannabe burglars, consider installing motion-detecting lights, which use little energy and are usually affordable.

6. Beef up your online security

“While it might not seem obvious, security goes beyond the physical,” Cornelius says. “Cyber Monday and online shopping are an opportunity for hackers to steal your credit data and identity.”

She recommends using a virtual private network, or VPN, when using public Wi-Fi to protect your online data from hackers. If you’re shopping online, be sure the sites are secure and have a valid encryption certificate (which you can usually spot with the green locked indicator in front of the site address).

Ensure your system is running the latest security updates and antivirus software, and consider signing up for identity theft protection so you’re immediately alerted to suspicious activity on any of your accounts. Many banks will allow you to set up mobile push alerts for certain types of transactions or spending thresholds.

Link to the article: https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/protect-your-home-from-holiday-thefts/

Related articles: https://safeguardssinc.wordpress.com/2016/05/27/home-alarm-systems-facts-to-consider/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

Article source here: Season for Thieving: 6 Tricks to Protect Your Home During the Holidays

Are Your Loved Ones Safe? Crucial Garage Door Safety Tips!

Securing your home to prevent a burglary is important. While making sure your home is protected and to prevent filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, have you considered your garage door? Of all the areas of your home where unwanted visitors could gain access, homeowners insurance agents find that garage doors are commonly overlooked.

Garage doors can also be a family safety issue when not used properly. Keep your home safe and reduce home owners insurance costs by being sure that your garage door is secured.

Garage Doors – An Overlooked Access Point

As sturdy as a garage door may seem, it will not stop a clever burglar who knows how to get past it. Using little more than a wire clothing hanger, thieves can activate the emergency release lever on your automatic garage door opener and open the door.

Once they have gained access to the garage, burglars can ransack your home and put you in a situation of needing to call your homeowners insurance company to report damage to your home and/or loss of personal property.

Garage Doors Can Be Dangerous

In addition to how easily garage doors can be breached, homeowners insurance agents note that the garage door also presents home safety issues. Power outages can prevent the mechanism from working. Children and animals are sometimes injured when garage doors accidentally close on them. Damaged mechanisms may fail, allowing the door to fall and cause damage that must be repaired via a home owners insurance claim.

Best Tips for A Safe and Secure Garage Door

Fortunately, keeping the garage door secure so you don’t have to file a homeowners insurance claim is easy. Practice the tips below from experienced homeowners insurance agents to prevent break-ins and keep your entire family safe:

1. Buy A High-Security Garage Door Opener – Choose an automatic opener with a numerical keypad for code control. It should also allow for remote activation from a smartphone app, just in case. These kind of systems are harder to breach and provide you with greater home security and fewer possibilities of having to make a claim on your home owners insurance.
2. Choose A Safe System – A garage door that closes down on a child or pet can be a disaster; however, the safest systems detect when something is in the way of the door and stops lowering the door. Laser sensors and sensitivity adjustments are great features that can reduce the chance of a person or pet becoming injured by a closing garage door.
3. Learn to Use the Emergency Release – As with any electronic device, begin by reading the garage opener user manual to learn how to correctly program and operate it. Most importantly, learn how to use the emergency release lever so you can safely operate the door even if you lose power.
4. Secure the Emergency Release Lever – To prevent burglars from using the wire hanger trick discussed above, secure the emergency release lever on your opener with a plastic zip tie. The tie is sturdy enough to prevent activation of the lever with a hanger; however, it can easily be broken if you need to use the emergency release.
5. Avoid Tempting Burglars – Never leave your garage door partially open. This weaken the opener mechanism, increase the chance of damage, and attract the attention of burglars. Keep your door remote out of any car that stays parked in your driveway. A visible garage remote is an invitation for a car break-in that may allow thieves access to your entire house. If you will be away for more than a few days, turn the power off to your opener.

Electronic garage doors are a great convenience; however, they can cause injuries if they malfunction. You may even end up with a homeowners insurance claim if burglars gain access to your home through an improperly secured door. Keep uninvited visitors out and prevent higher home owners insurance premiums by paying close attention to the tips offered above by homeowners insurance agents that will keep both your home and family safe and secure!

Link to the article: https://www.sigbcs.com/are-your-loved-ones-safe-crucial-garage-door-safety-tips/

Related articles: https://virginiagaragedoorrepairservice.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/why-my-garage-door-is-not-opening-know-the-possible-reasons/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://unioncitygaragedoorrepair.net/

Article source here: Are Your Loved Ones Safe? Crucial Garage Door Safety Tips!