Poor Economy Compelling Squatters to Use Rentals Illegally in Sacramento
by James Safonov, HomePointe Property Management
In this tough economy some opportunists are breaking into vacant rentals for a variety of reasons.
The vacancy is a beacon of warmth for those without housing.
People are finding vacancies by driving through neighborhoods, searching the Internet and reading the paper.
Once inside the home they use the heater, bathrooms, etc and often conduct illegal activities while the owner is away.
Once comfortable they may also sell the appliances and other portions of the property–I have seen carpet and tile pulled up and sold as well as copper piping, doors, windows , etc.
Vandalism is often an issue.
Owners and property managers can protect against this by simply going inside the vacancy two to three times a week.
At Homepointe, we show all of our vacancies 3 times weekly. We show and enter each property 3 times a week whether prospective tenants show up or not. We are able to see if any forced entry has occurred and our frequent presence deters bad guys from accessing the home.
Some tips to prevent break-ins:
- keep a light on at night
- keep the grass mowed
- pick up or cancel mail and newspaper delivery
Everything helps protect your investment!
HomePointe provides full service property management providing management, leasing, accounting, and maintenance. Visit us at www.HomePointe.com. We also hold a California Contractors License through our maintenance division, RAM Property Services. We can provide complete repair and renovation services for your property. Visit us at www.RamPropertyServices.com . In addition, our landscape division can do yard cleanups, monthly service, and sprinkler repairs. Visit us at www.creeksidelawncare.com . We can also do yard installations utilizing our Landscape Contractors License. Visit us at www.creeksidelandscapeservices.com . See our vacancies at www.HomePointe.com, www.NetRent.com, www.Vast.com, www.Oodle.com, www.googlebase.com, www.craigslist.com, www.HotPads.com, www.Move.com, www.rentbits.com and more!
See a related feature, What To Do When a Tenant Leaves Early.
American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services related to your commercial housing investment including REAL ESTATE FORMS, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.
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