Landlord Resources

Keeping Your Investment Property Safe

Landlords are being urged to proactively safeguard their investment properties against theft – from unfortunate break-ins to tenant-related theft, no item is off-limit to thieves this festive season.

Landlords should consider implementing a range of strategies that can help to minimise the risk and financial burden, which includes security measures, preventative maintenance and practical checks.

From Terri Scheer’s experience, theft from investment properties is more common than landlords realise and it is not limited to short-term rentals.

While it is not unusual to see claims for missing lightbulbs, taps and doorknobs from time to time, there are many more commonly stolen items too.

Theft can be a particularly common issue for rental properties that are leased to tenants fully or partly furnished.

Terri Scheer has arranged claim payments for items such as stolen televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and beds in holiday homes and long-term rentals.

This can be costly for landlords and leave them out-of-pocket when they have to cover the replacement expenses, not to mention the time and effort required to deal with sourcing and replacing missing items.

To help reduce the risk of break-ins:

• Ensure the property is well-maintained to give the appearance of occupancy.
• Repair any broken windows, doors or locks promptly.
• Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors and check window locks remain in working order – with keys provided to tenants.
• Ensure that all pathways and entrances are well-lit and use motion-sensor lights to deter potential intruders.
• Trim bushes and trees near windows and doors.
• Install a reliable alarm system that includes door and window sensors.

To help minimise the financial burden of theft in investment properties:

• Record an inventory of all items in the property before it is leased to tenants, including make and model numbers, condition and value.
• Keep photographs/video and purchase receipts as proof of ownership for valuables.
• Appoint a property manager who can check the rental history of tenants.
• Conduct regular property inspections, particularly before and after a tenant moves in or vacates the property, and check items remain in the property.
• Select an appropriate landlord insurance policy, to provide cover for stolen items.
• Report any incidences of theft to the police and keep the police report number for missing items to assist with the insurance claim.

A specifically designed landlord insurance policy is the first step towards minimising any potential loss in the case of theft from an investment property.

As Australia’s leading landlord insurance specialist, Terri Scheer’s dedicated landlord insurance and short-stay policies provide comprehensive cover for theft, tenant-related risks, weather events, loss of rental income and more. Find out what’s included here: terrischeer.com.au/landlord-insurance/

Property managers should check their authority to distribute or refer before discussing with landlords or dealing in insurance.

For further information, call 1800 804 016.

Disclaimer:

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Terri Scheer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you. Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.

The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries. This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.