Women Landlord safety

[Sara Peak]

For the women out there that actively manage properties: how do you feel secure and safe meeting potential tenants and showing the property? I am purchasing a property in a pretty decent area and I don't imagine problems. However, I do have hesitation showing the property alone. Other than buying in a "safe" area, screening potential tenants, and potentially not going alone (which is cumbersome) how do you combat this barrier?

[Kathleen Leary]

I hold open houses, not individual showings. There are people in & out throughout the showing time. I also have a friend with me (if possible); if not, I make sure the neighbors know I'm over there & I ask them to pop over as time permits. (Getting to know your neighbors is one of the smartest things you can do, period!) Usually, I try to rent in the warmer months & leave all the doors wide open. Never have knives or breakable glass available in the kitchen if you've staged it. As noted, I don't go upstairs or into the basement - prospective tenants look around on their own. And lastly, I have a handgun on my person at all times. Yes, that's legal in this state. (All you anti-gun folks please don't get your panties in a twist - I'm just answering the question!)

Plan ahead & don't worry about seeming paranoid. Better safe than sorry.