To safeguard your property against break-ins, theft, or the risk of squatters, it’s essential for homeowners to implement effective security strategies.
Properties that are vacant are particularly susceptible to squatting. This includes homes for sale that the owner has vacated or investment properties that remain unoccupied between tenants.
A squatter taking residence in your property can lead to significant expenses, including possible damages and legal fees related to their eviction.
Implementing multiple security measures is crucial for safeguarding your property from potential squatters. (iStock)
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There are several straightforward steps you can take to enhance the security of your properties, enabling you to monitor them from a distance.
- Install steel security doors
- Install window guards
- Conduct regular inspections
- Set up surveillance cameras
- Keep properties well-maintained, even when unoccupied
1. Install Steel Security Doors
When working to secure a home, especially one that is unoccupied, traditional locks—whether standard or smart—may not provide sufficient protection.
Quentin Fonteno, director of Dawgs Vacant Property Security, assists owners in fortifying their properties by securing the entry points.
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“If a property is vacant, smart locks do not deliver the necessary security to deter intruders,” Fonteno shared with Fox News Digital.
“We provide steel security doors that also grant secure access via a code. The best recommendation for preventing squatter access is to completely eliminate any opportunity for intruders.”
2. Install Window Guards
When securing your home, consider all possible entry points an individual could exploit.
Ensuring all entry points into the home are secure is vital. (iStock)
Particularly those located on the first floor, which may have easier access.
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A steel security door effectively blocks primary entry points, but having steel window guards also provides peace of mind regarding these access points.
3. Regular Supervision
Regular oversight of a property is crucial for its security.
If you cannot visit your property frequently due to distance from your primary residence, it’s wise to have someone else monitor it on your behalf.
This could be a family member, friend, trusted neighbor, or a service like Dawgs Vacant Property Security, which offers inspections for clients.
If you don’t live near your investment property, arrange for a trusted person to check on the house. (iStock)
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If you own a property outside your primary residence for short-term vacation rentals or long-term leases, employing a reliable property manager can assist you in overseeing that property, managing day-to-day activities, and ensuring that any suspicious activities are addressed.
4. Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras offer a convenient way to supervise your property in your absence.
Many surveillance systems connect directly to your mobile device, providing alerts when movement is detected on your property.
When setting up your cameras, it’s recommended to focus them on various entry points of your home, such as the front and back doors, as well as first-floor windows and basements.
An enclosed porch is also a logical location for camera placement.
Position security cameras to monitor access points to a house. (iStock)
Keep in mind that while surveillance cameras are a valuable addition, they should not be the sole security measure for your property.
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“The issue arises if an intruder goes unnoticed for a time, and the owner lacks proof of the intruder’s true intent,” Nick Oberhouse from Dawgs Vacant Property Security told Fox News Digital, highlighting that auto-deleting video footage could hinder a homeowner’s defense.
In such cases, if the squatter presents a falsified lease, many states may obligate the owner to navigate the court system to remove them.
Having a blend of surveillance, steel doors, and window guards can significantly enhance your property’s safety.
5. Maintain Properties Regularly, Even When Unoccupied
A property appearing neglected can attract squatters.
Caring for the property through simple maintenance, like keeping the lawn trimmed, can help it appear occupied even when it isn’t.
When a friend or family member checks on the home, encourage them to park in the driveway to convey the impression that someone is present.
Even when a home is empty, ensure it is well-kept, such as maintaining a neatly trimmed lawn. (iStock)
Additionally, there are lighting systems that can be programmed to turn on automatically when no one is home, Oberhouse suggested, but he cautioned that squatters often conduct thorough research.
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Given this reality, implementing a range of security measures is crucial for ultimate protection of your home.
