Vandalism is a huge problem for landlords. It can cost them time and money, and it can make their property less desirable to tenants. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies that landlords can use to deal with vandalism. We will also provide tips on how to prevent vandalism from happening in the first place.

Work Out Who Is Liable

One of the first things that landlords should do when vandalism occurs is to work out who is liable. This all comes down to who vandalized the property. If it was a tenant that was living there at the time, then they will be held liable. However, if it was a stranger who broke a window or spray painted the outside of the house, the landlord is liable for fixing the damage. You have a responsibility to make the property safe for tenants, so if windows or doors are broken, you need to sort it immediately.

Document The Damage

Once you have worked out who is liable, the next step is to document the damage. This means taking photos or videos of the vandalism, as well as getting written statements from witnesses. This will be important if you need to make an insurance claim or take legal action against the person who vandalized your property. Make sure that you have plenty of evidence before you start cleaning things up.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If the damage is significant, you may need to contact your insurance company. They will be able to tell you if the vandalism is covered by your policy and how much it will cost to fix. It’s important to remember that not all insurance companies cover vandalism, so make sure you read your policy carefully.

Clean It Up

Next, you need to clean the damage up as quickly as possible. If necessary, call a graffiti removal service to pressure wash the walls for you. You may need to get windows and doors repaired too. Always prioritize making the property safe for any tenants that are living there. You may want to take the opportunity to do some extra work on the property too. For example, if somebody has sprayed the outside of the home, why not paint the exterior again?

Take Preventative Measures

Finally, it is important to take preventative measures to stop vandalism from happening in the first place because it can seriously harm your profits. This could include installing security cameras or fencing off the property. Security lights are an excellent deterrent for vandals. You should also speak to the local law enforcement and see whether there is anything that they can do to help.

Now is a good time to check your insurance policy too. Make sure that you are covered for vandalism and that you know what the excess is. This will help you to make a claim if the damage is serious.

While no one likes dealing with vandalism, it is something that all landlords have to be prepared for. By following the steps in this blog post, you can make sure that you are ready for it if it does happen.