Has Your Cottage Grove Rental Property Been the Victim of Vandalism?

If your Cottage Grove property has been a victim of vandalism, don’t fret. There are options that you can take to make sure you protect your Cottage Grove investment properties from vandalism. Despite all the best prevention though, there is no guarantee. With roughly 15% of homes targeted by vandals each year, it is likely that one or more of your rental homes may eventually be hit.

In the aftermath of vandalism, it can leave you feeling a range of violation and frustration as you deal with the authorities and your insurance company, all while making sure renovations are being performed, and calming your equally frustrated renter. Becoming familiar with the necessary steps that you can take when vandalism take place can help renew your feeling of confidence and make the recovery process a tad easier.

As soon as the vandalism is revealed, it is important to contact the local authorities and file a police report. Your tenants may take it upon themselves to call the police, or they may let you know and expect you to take charge of the situation and make the report. As the Cottage Grove property owner, you have to communicate with the investigating police officers and make sure that all property damage is documented in a certified report.

Don’t forget to record the vandalism for yourself and your insurance company as well. Taking lots of pictures of the damage is a common way to do this. In case you live far from your property and can’t come down right away, you might have your tenant or your property management company handle the documentation.

It is part of your responsibility as the owner to make sure that the necessary renovations are done unless your renters cause the vandalism or their guests. Making sure that you are collaborating with your insurance company is vital in the entire process as they have to be in the loop soon after the damage happens. This is also why it is a wise idea to double check if your landlord insurance policy covers this type of damage. If not, you may have to spend for the repairs yourself.

Lastly, vandalism can intimidate a tenant, leaving behind not only the physical damage but also feelings of fear or anxiety. Their sense of security has been violated, and they may need both reassurance from you that things will be taken care of as well as visible evidence that you or your property management company are working hard to restore both the rental property and their ability to live safely in it.

At Real Property Management Greater Madison Metro, one of our top priorities is keeping both your tenant and your rental property safe from vandalism and other preventable damage. But if vandals do make a mess, we will handle the entire documentation and recovery process for you and make sure that your property is restored as soon as possible. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or call us at 608-310-1290 for details.