No matter how many preemptive steps you take to keep your Fremont investment properties from vandalism, the best prevention is still not an assurance. With roughly 15% of homes targeted by vandals each year, it is likely that one or more of your rental homes may eventually be hit.
As soon as vandalism ensues, it can leave you feelings of violation and frustration as you work with the law enforcement agency and your insurance company, at the same time doing your best to make repairs and deliver comfort to a similarly distraught renter. But then again, being aware of what needs to be done when vandals strike can bring back your sense of confidence and therefore help make the recovery process just a bit easier.
Immediately after vandalism is discovered, it is important to contact the local authorities and file a police report. Your tenants may take it upon themselves to make the call or may alert you and assume you have to generate the report. Either way, as the Fremont property owner you should communicate with the investigating police officers and make sure that all property damage is documented in an official report.
Your insurance company will want you to put everything related to the vandalism into writing, even taking pictures of the damage would be a good idea. In the event that you can’t get to the property as soon as possible, you might have your tenant or your property management company handle the documentation.
As a property owner, you will be held accountable for all the required repairs needed unless the vandalism is caused by your renters or one of their guests. Working meticulously with your insurance company is an important step in the process; they need to get involved as soon as the damage occurs. Even before vandalism happens, it is a fitting plan to make sure that your landlord insurance policy covers this type of damage. If not, you may have to pay for the repairs yourself.
Finally, vandalism can startle a tenant, leaving behind not only the physical damage but also feelings of distress or unease. Their sense of security has been violated, and they may need both encouragement from you that things will be taken care of as well as visible indication that you or your property management company are working hard to bring back both the rental property and their capability to live safe and sound in it.
At Real Property Management Masters, one of our top priorities is keeping both your tenant and your rental property safe from vandalism and other preventable damage. But if vandals do make a mess, we will handle the entire documentation and recovery process for you and make sure that your property is restored as soon as possible. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or call us at 510-398-8704 for details.
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