Do you own a rental condo? You could be losing tenants due to security concerns. According to a study by Rentpath Surveys, renters want a safe and secure place to make their homes. Location was a key contributor to security. However, you might not be able to change the location of your condo, but you can do something to boost security. 

Fortunately, there are various home security solutions. You only need to establish the most appropriate and practical, then invest. Read on and learn ways to improve condo security. But first, here is why condo security should be a priority.

Key security insights

In 2019, the FBI reported a 9.5% dip in burglaries from the 2018 figure. However, this brought no relief because the rate is still too high - two break-ins every minute. More than half (55.7%) of the successful burglaries entailed forcible entry. Each time a burglar was successful, they made away with goods worth $2,661. But perhaps what is scarier is that police solved only 13% of the reported cases. 

Investing in security systems is an excellent way to protect your tenants. Burglars are three times less likely to target properties with robust security systems and access control door locks. 

But you should know what to invest in so that you not only improve security in your property but also boost your tenant’s experience. Here are tips to help. 

Invest in tenant-friendly security solutions

Tenants prefer solutions that are convenient, easy to operate, effective, and non-intrusive. 

Gone are the days when you could drill holes or run cables through the walls messing up the interiors. Tenants want installations that are neat and would leave the place almost pristine. 

Fortunately, you can install modern security solutions, like wireless alarm systems, without drilling walls or laying cables all over the place. Modern security technologies allow you to use adhesives to fix alarm sensors and link them up wirelessly. Tenants can connect and operate the security system using their smartphones through apps. 

Use smart intercom systems and door locks

Condos are often in multi-story buildings. Your tenants feel safer when they have new locks, and the opportunity to verify and allow entry to their visitors. 

Smart intercom systems enable your tenants to verify visitors and grant access remotely via smartphones. They don’t have to be in the house or view a designated monitor. If you own a countryside home or cabin, you can make the same technology part of your cabin security measures.

Of course, it would be futile to try and check visitors if they already have a duplicate key. Your tenants want to be the exclusive holders of the keys. When a new tenant moves in, you should replace the door lock. 

Rather than burst your brains over when to install new locks, invest in smart door locks. They are keyless and allow tenants to open doors remotely. A new tenant will require a unique access code, which they can generate from their smartphone and use to open. 

Integrate your security technologies with building management systems

Security technologies for access control, intruder detection, and fault detection can also help manage the building. In fact, integrating security and building management systems stands out as an excellent strategy that can reduce costs and enhance efficiency. 

Reach out to tech companies that can help you automate and integrate your security and building management functions. You will get an intuitive interface while tenants get peace of mind.

Use cloud-based video technology 

Do you have (or plan to have) security cameras? Consider investing in cloud-based video technologies. In these systems, the tools used for viewing and operating the system (storage, software, and running analytics) are in the cloud, thus safe from malicious actors. You can also perform system upgrades and updates from the cloud.

A cloud-based security camera system with multiple building capabilities allows you to:

• Access security systems and manage them remotely using a mobile app or web browser. 
• Better manage security in your network. 
• Manage costs better. You can collate everything under one service provider and pay a regular subscription. 

Use a convenient online portal for rent, utilities, and other payments

As a landlord, you want to collect the correct rent on time. Thus, it is crucial to make it convenient and safe for the tenant and easy to manage for you. Traditional methods, such as mailing checks and allowing tenants to bring the rent in person, are cumbersome. Consider using online portals. They are convenient and secure. Residents can use credit cards or digital wallets to make payments. 

Online payments portals also have the following benefits:

• Easy to track who is current and who is falling behind. 
• You can also set up automatic reminders. 
• Residents have the option to set up recurring payments. 

Final words

The tips above will boost security in your rentals and help residents feel safer. Investing in condo security will enhance the appeal of your condo and improve relations with residents. Just remember to include simple user manuals in the resident’s welcome package. You don’t want anyone to skip using the security solutions because they didn't know how to.