Break-Ins during Vacancy/Renovation and Leasing Out

[Jake Brown]

Hi! We recently acquired a 6 unit property in Arizona. It took us 7 weeks to have the current tenants vacate. However, as soon as they vacated, the property was an immediate target for vandalism and break-ins (some appliances stolen, windows broken, etc.).

We have since boarded up all the windows, hired a security guard, and installed a fence. We are planning to do renovations for the next 4-5 weeks on the units, but then want to start leasing them one-by-one.

We don't want to remove the boarded up windows while the property is being waited to be leased to prevent more breaks, but we are worried prospective tenants won't take the unit once they see the boarded up windows. Has anyone dealt with this before? How do you recommend dealing with it?

[Taylor L.]

I'd wager the vandalism and theft were done by a former tenant. Who else would know the building was vacant?

Is the property generally in a high crime area?