Landlord to pay for security system?

Question

We have a pretty needy tennant in San Francisco. He moved in during Covid and has experienced a few problems, his girlfriends cell phone was stolen while walking on the street, as well as smashed garage windows multiple times and someone recently tried to jimmy the side door. Nothing has been stolen and we've quickly remedied the situation every time but he's hinting at us paying for a security system. He's also talking about money problems and asking about options. This could be a ploy to bolster his agenda to move out or lower the rent.

His email this morning said that he feels "fundamentally unsafe".

Question: should we be obligated to pay for a security system for him?

His email this morning said that he feels "fundamentally unsafe".

Question: should we be obligated to pay for a security system for him?

Christopher Thomas · Answer

I'm dealing with gang violence with residents having their windows shot out. I've already had 2 in a 10 unit up and leave this week. Another 4 plex the same thing .... the issue is personal but becomes a business issue ... if you want to keep high quality tenants you need to help them feel safe. Its not whether you feel safe, its them. Ive already installed motion detector 40,000 lumen lighting, higher fencing and am now installing camera's and building a relationship with the local police. Your business depends on you being proactive. When you aren't people soon see it and walk. Vacancy is your biggest concern. The cost of a few weeks rent more than pays for better security. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Think it through, the additional cost comes back over time in spades. Of course be sensible and look into the costs and options ...

Jared Tillery · Answer

One option I had some success with is placing "PROTECTED BY BRINKS" or similar signs on the lawn or windows.  If non of the neighboring properties have security systems this will give you an edge.  Even though you wont have the actual system it still acts as a deterrent for only a few bucks.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Christopher Thomas you are installing safety measures externally for multiunit properties including lighting and external cameras. I took @Rosalynn Enfield tenant to be in to be in a single family home and requesting a full security system for a single family.   would you do that?

Rosalynn I would also see if this is across the neighborhood or just your property.  The same garage window multiple times means the doors are in a great location for thieves and maybe poorly lit or maybe the tenant has an enemy.  Tenant needs to file a police report each time too.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

If unemployment raises, you can just expect more crime. I would also expect less help from the police as they have less funding. I would install security measures including motion lights, cameras and a security system. You can purchase a Ring security system for around $200 and it costs $10 a month for monitoring. If you get the ring cameras, they will record to the cloud. It is cheap insurance to protect your property.

Take your tenants concerns seriously. Once a tenant says "I don't feel safe", it puts responsibility on you if something happens. Whether that response is security measures or letting them out of their lease, take action one way or the other.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Call the police to see if there have been more crimes in the area recently.  I don't know what a security system will do other than let him know someone tried to break in.  As others said, is it just the one house or others?  You said he's needy and hinting he's going to have money problems.  Offer to let him out of the lease.

Colleen F. · Answer

Did you have these issues before he into this property? Are you in one of these riot areas. Consider to Let him move out if he continues to say he feels unsafe. This doesn't sound like someone you want to try hard to keep.  Of course you could put up outside cameras for the entries that are problematic but I would not install a security system.  I would allow him to install one if he wishes.

Brian Garlington · Answer

@Rosalynn Enfield     Absolutely not. You are definitely not required to install a Security System at the rental. If he wants one installed he can pay for it on his own and he can take it with him when he moves out. Now, if they are hinting at seeing what options are out there, make sure that this sort of conversation is in writing, via text message or email and if they bring up the idea of wanting to move out, consider it a blessing. Go ahead and let them move out with no penalty,.....then replace them with a tenant that is more appreciative. I recommend getting a Section 8 Tenant. Guaranteed income. Especially in San Francisco.

Amit M. · Answer

@Rosalynn Enfield what neighborhood is the property in, and what type of property is it (SFH, small, or large bldg)? That info will help me give you further advice.

You’re in a bit of a quandary, as the rental market in SF really sucks right now. So my inclination would be to work with a reasonable tenant. Otherwise you may have a vacancy for a few months, especially as November is right around the corner...and we all know how sucky it is to turn a unit over between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Patrick Roche · Answer

@Rosalynn Enfield my opinion, why would you add another cost? Security system is not required by law so I would say it’s a luxury. He can get a security system which he can take with him. Obviously he is having money issues so you getting a security system and increasing the rent would not work out.

Nikita Herrod · Answer

@Rosalynn Enfield

No way! Landlords are not required to ensure a renters belongings, so why would you be required to supply an alarm system.  He agreed to rent the unit knowing there was not one in place.  Just as there are insurance companies that provide renters insurance for his belongings,  there are companies like Simply Safe and ring that provide monitoring alarms.

That is a personal expense.

Now having said that. Should you decide to install cameras to monitor the exterior, that would be of value to you as the landlord.  That video could help protect your property from vandalism or theft.  But your tenant should be in his own for his apartment.

That's my 2 cents, anyway.

Landlord to pay for security system?

Most Popular Reply