As an apartment manager, your primary goal is to show your tenants you value their safety. Residents love a welcoming community, a clean property and knowing their environment is safe. What is the best way to show residents you are serious about safety? Consider this checklist and ask yourself, are you taking the necessary steps to provide peace of mind for your residents?
Lighting
Are the common areas and the parking lot well lit? Check the lighting on the property, especially in areas where there is heavy use by residents. You don’t want thieves or criminals to lurk in areas where they could surprise an unsuspecting resident. Proper lighting is a great way to prevent potential injuries as residents walk in with groceries, movers transfer furniture and little kids play in hallways.
Make Simple Repairs
You realize the gate outside the complex isn’t working. What do you do? Don’t ignore it. Make simple repairs to save headaches in the long run and show your residents you care about safety. Keep an eye on burnt-out light bulbs, rust on stairwells or problems with any entries and exits.
Use Inspections
Have you identified all the areas on the property prone to fire? Have you checked for faulty electrical wires and whether smoke detectors work? Put an automatic alert on your calendar to have a licensed individual determine if everything complies with the proper fire code. Also, warn your residents about the danger of unattended candles and the use of grills. Keep evacuation plans in the apartment office accessible and ready for those residents who like to be in the know.
Security Cameras
An effective way to protect residents is to install security cameras in common areas. These don’t need to break the bank. Lorex Technology offers super high-tech weatherproof security cameras with night vision and key features without signing a contract. The other added bonus: it offers flat rates to make it affordable. By installing cameras, the residents know you aren’t offering lip service when it comes to their safety, but are serious about it.
General Maintenance
Are the bushes trimmed outside the property? Is the community pool regularly serviced? Are you answering resident calls when plumbing isn’t working or the microwave decides to short circuit? Quickly addressing these concerns doesn’t only benefit your tenant, but also prevents increased costs and the potential for greater damage.
Bulletins on Crime in the Area
Are you informing your residents of nearby crimes? It is a good idea to send emails or paper notices to your residents alerting them to a break-in on nearby properties or cars. Keeping your residents in the loop will help them take personal precautions for their safety.
Apartment Safety Meetings
It is great to encourage conversation among residents when safety is at stake. Organize a monthly apartment safety meeting where you listen to tenants’ concerns and try to answer questions. This is a productive way to foster open communication and emphasize your need to keep the community safe. If you’re dealing with a multi-complex apartment building, appoint various representatives to speak to issues concerning a particular part of the community. It will help with time management during the meeting. Let your tenants know you will do whatever it takes to protect their safety.
It’s up to you to show how much you value the safety of your tenants. Be proactive and talk with your residents about safety and any concerns you need to address. A small investment now goes a long way in the future.
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