Investor · USA · Member since 2013 · 86 posts · 17 votes
Hey BP,
I have a rental property in South Carolina that has had the HVAC package unit stolen three times in the past 8 years, always when the property is vacant. The property is an A- class property, but unfortunately is in a somewhat rural area. I believe the next door neighbors are involved for several reasons, so I do foresee it happening again in the future. The last theft was in 2017. I had metal t-posts cemented into the ground around the new unit, but this was not enough to prevent another theft that I've just learned has occurred.
My first concern: Is it likely that my insurance carrier will drop me if I file a second claim? I filed a claim for the theft in 2017. I also have an unrelated claim on another property from 2020. I use Nationwide.
Second, does anyone use cages around their units? Do they actually prevent theft if the individual has ample time to commit the offense... like overnight or in a rural area?
I will likely install a security camera. I am also considering using a livestock electric fence energizer for the cage to really make any attempt at theft more... interesting.
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
4y
You PROBABLY won’t get cancelled as long as they don’t think you’re involved. Your rates will PROBABLY go up. 3 thefts in 8 years SOUNDS like a lot. But believe me. Anyone stealing for profit would be stealing 3 times per year. Put up a security camera that sees the ac but also the front or something more useful. As again, as someone that’s been victimized too many times. You’re going to have a video of a black hoodie pulled uo over their entire body whering gloves. You’re not going to catch anyone. You’re just going to have “proof” it was stolen
I have a rental property in South Carolina that has had the HVAC package unit stolen three times in the past 8 years, always when the property is vacant. The property is an A- class property, but unfortunately is in a somewhat rural area. I believe the next door neighbors are involved for several reasons, so I do foresee it happening again in the future. The last theft was in 2017. I had metal t-posts cemented into the ground around the new unit, but this was not enough to prevent another theft that I've just learned has occurred.
My first concern: Is it likely that my insurance carrier will drop me if I file a second claim? I filed a claim for the theft in 2017. I also have an unrelated claim on another property from 2020. I use Nationwide.
Second, does anyone use cages around their units? Do they actually prevent theft if the individual has ample time to commit the offense... like overnight or in a rural area?
I will likely install a security camera. I am also considering using a livestock electric fence energizer for the cage to really make any attempt at theft more... interesting.
Thank you.
Hey Jordan, sorry to hear that. I’m curious where in Columbia this happened?
Real Estate Broker · San Antonio · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 489 votes
4y
Flame throwers! In all seriousness... I doubt the insurance will drop you but rates will surely go up. I wanted to report that cages will work but the fact that your in such a rural area with the thieves having no real time crunch to do their bidding, it will not stop them. They would just need the right tools. I would say your best bet is camera and an alarm system. Perhaps if you caught them in the act, you could sound the alarm and scare them away also alerting the authorities.
Point Central is an alarm company that has a ton of alarm solutions for landlords/pm companies. You should give them a buzz to see if they can offer you a unique solution.
@Melanie Thomas Thank you for the suggestion. I'm going to give them a call. I'm 2700 miles away from the property so to watch at all times will be impossible, but if they have a functional alert system in place that could immediately push to my phone, that would be perfect for my needs.
I'm certain it's the same individual/neighbor stealing the units each time. It happens like clockwork when someone moves out, so it has got to be someone who sees the property on a daily basis and knows when a vacancy occurs. This particular neighbor is known for harassing my tenants as well-- my most recent tenant had to call law enforcement regarding these guys. Their driveway is right at the property line (on the side with the units, of course). They live in a ratty trailer back in the woods.
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
4y
I live in a different world. I have never, ever had someone steal HVAC, an appliance, etc. Nobody has ever broken into a home and squatted. Half the people around here don't even lock their doors at night.
It's sad that people live in areas where this kind of behavior is accepted as part of doing business.
Investor · El Dorado Hills, CA · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
When I have had a problem with properties like that I ask one of my contractors or other contacts if they have anyone who would want to stay there temporarily between tenants. Usually a young guy with a blow up mattress and Roku TV that's happy to be out of his parent's house for a month. I paid them $25 a day.
When I have had a problem with properties like that I ask one of my contractors or other contacts if they have anyone who would want to stay there temporarily between tenants. Usually a young guy with a blow up mattress and Roku TV that's happy to be out of his parent's house for a month. I paid them $25 a day.