As a property manager you have a lot of people who depend on the safety and security of the apartment building you oversee.

Every day you have to deal with a number of challenges, including building maintenance, equipment inspection, handling residential complaints, hiring and maintaining qualified staff, and handling residents’ complaints.

One of the most important issues you must pay attention to is the security of the property you manage. A secure building means a happier and safer community.

Here are some tips to help keep your residents safe and your building secure:

• Review current security systems – Make certain your fire alarm system and burglar alarm system are up-to-date. You should schedule regular inspections of your monitoring devices, such as lighting, cameras, locks on secure entrances, and other life safety equipment to be sure they’re functioning properly and they cover all common areas. It’s also worthwhile to look for any vulnerable spots that a potential thief could use to circumvent your security measures.
• 24/7 monitoring – Check that your security company has a security command center staffed with certified professionals who can answer your calls and trouble signals around the clock.
• Install an advanced access control system – A reliable access control system will let tenants and employees in and keep trespassers out of your building. This system can integrate with a video surveillance system to document movements. These systems are available with a number of security badge options and they can be used with biometric systems for dual verification.
• Communicate with residents – Keep a line of communication open with your tenants. Remind them to keep their doors and windows locked. Be sure they know to report suspicious activity to you or your staff. Hire a security company to come in and do a presentation to offer advice on how residents can be part of the overall security of your property.
• Install a fire/life safety system – Protect your tenants, employees and property by installing a professional life safety system that provides life-saving information – for example about fire, floods, carbon monoxide – at critical moments to your security company to help keep your tenants and your building safe.
• Screen residents and employees – Be sure to conduct background checks on prospective tenants and workers. Such screenings will help you identify potential issues and also reassure potential residents that they’re moving into a safe community.
• Employees should be easily identified – Sometimes criminals pass themselves off as maintenance workers or other employees to trick tenants. Make sure that your staff members always wear uniforms and carry photo IDs when they’re on duty. If your employees stand out, it will be more difficult for the bad guys to deceive residents.

As a property manager, it’s your job to keep the criminals out and protect your tenants and property. Following these tips can help you get the job done.

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