Securing vacant properties in rough neighborhoods

[Michael Evans]

What steps do you go through to secure vacant rental properties in rough neighborhoods after a tenant leaves and you're waiting to turn the property over?

[Nathan Brown]

It's unfortunate, but the best solution I've found working in the annals of Phoenix has been laying frequent eyes on the property. Locks and cameras don't stop motivated squatters or vandals. That said, some good locks and cameras (even fake ones) do go a long way. Security bars on sliding doors and windows too. 

[Karl B.]

I recommend Simplisafe (roughly $29 a month - I've found the best and cheapest place to buy the system is at Sam's Club). No contract and you don't need wi-fi. However, if there is wi-fi you can connect a Simplisafe camera to the wi-fi so you can view.

Even without wi-fi, having sensors on the doors and a motion sensor in the hallway goes a long way toward piece of mind. 

[Veronica Woods]

In some areas, we board up the 1st floor windows until we are about to start marketing the property. We also have installed SimpliSafe (and signs about ongoing monitoring outside of the property).

As someone else mentioned, it is best to have a plan not to go long stretches without checking in person. The sooner that you can have crews actively working on-site, the better. Also, an "eyes on the block" neighbor can be helpful.

[Eliott Elias]

Put up a ring camera, no trespassing sign, and motion sensor light.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Michael Evans:

What steps do you go through to secure vacant rental properties in rough neighborhoods after a tenant leaves and you're waiting to turn the property over?

Best option: don't invest in areas with high crime.

Security cameras, motion-detecting lights, and plenty of signs that it's protected by a security system.