BiggerPockets

Heads up,
This isn't official, just something I've observed. Thieves, especially those of the copper thief variety, are using addresses posted on "houses for rent" on Craigslist to target houses. Don't put the address on the listing. Don't e-mail reply to any inquiries with an address. Take phone calls and if they block the number, get their info first.

Tim

Took 2 copper thefts on an otherwise unmarked property within 48 hours of listing on craigslist to figure out. Could be hypothetical but properties I didn't list the address on CL didn't get touched.

There is also a hypothetical situation. Hypothetically let's say there's a tenant who informed a landlord she was going to break the lease. Let's say this lease is on a house in a neighborhood that virtually no one knows about and has experienced one theft in the past 10 years. Let's say this landlord informs her that because of her decision to break the lease he must list the house for rent and uses craigslist figuring because it's occupied, thieves will leave it alone. Let's say hypothetically within 3 days of listing it on Craigslist, the tenants scooter is stolen from their front yard, kind of like this hypothetical landlord's rent is being stolen from him. Let's say karma's a bi--h. :wink: Let's say this is the final indicator to this landlord that Craigslist is an easy way to case vacant property. That could be a scenario right there.

Chris - Recycling for Money ....

I've had both the Furnace and AC Unit stolen from one of my houses in Memphis .... Not fun & Expensive to repair.

We cage our AC units in Memphis (Literally - A cage cemented to the ground) and the thieves straight up broke the cage and took the unit.

They sell it to scrap yards for cash. Aluminum siding is also being targeted. Although not as much because it is easier to be seen stripping it off the house. They will usually do the back of the house or a side that has no neighbor.

Good tip, Tim. But have you had any negative experience with posting a "For Rent" sign in front of one of your vacant properties? This way thieves don't even need the address?

Great tips: I used to recycle everything metal I could get my hands its actually pretty good money. Lately I have started posting my for Sale Houses with a disclaimer that says " Due to security reasons and vacant property I can't put the address on CL. This seems to be working so far. Just a thought.

Glad you posted this info! A vacant property is always a target, on and off Craigslist.

I have used Craigslist for all of my rentals wth great success. However, I never put up an exact address, always something like 34xx Main St, with a tel # for appointments.

A 'For Rent' Sign may invite thieves as well. I would never consider it, since many are checking out your neighborhoods! People are very observant.

Thanks for the tip Tim.
I always feel better about offering on an REO that still has the compressor unit outside. I just gives me a "Warm and Fuzzy" about the neighbors.
Don