Whether you’re a new OBX vacation rental homeowner or a seasoned rental manager, it’s always a good idea to ensure your property is safe. A poor security plan may lead to you losing repeat rentals or even putting your property at risk. An ideal vacation rental home should make its guests feel comfortable at ease and provide them with a sense of safety.
Below are tips that can help strengthen the security of your OBX rental home. They cover both basic and advanced security options.
Implementing the Standard Security Measures
Get To Know Your Neighbors
As old as the hills, your neighbors are essential to the safety of your vacation home. If you do not have a local property manager who continuously checks on your rental, you’ll have to rely on your neighbors to tell you if something suspicious occurs. You can let them know your rental schedule and that it is okay for them to contact the police if anything goes wrong.
Open Blinds Equal Open Invite
When your blinds are open when nobody is in your house, you are essentially inviting burglars to peek inside your property. In addition to giving intruders a clear view of what’s inside, a view from a window can help them determine the best path around the house. In addition, at night, when the lights are on inside, this offers even more visibility from the outside looking. It is also a good idea to ask the renters who stay at your vacation home to follow the same protocol.
Provide Security Instructions to Your Guests
Even though your guests pay to stay in your vacation home, they must abide by your rules. Ensure they know how to maintain security by giving them clear instructions. But don’t overdo your explanations. It doesn’t do any good to worry or panic your guests.
More Advanced Security Essentials
Install Deadbolts Instead of Standard Locks
As traditional locks are extremely vulnerable to lock picking and strong force, they may not deter burglars. Consider investing in deadbolt locks for added security. In case of a strike, they are recessed further into your door frame to provide extra resistance.
Invest in Motion-Activated Lights
If you want to keep burglars at bay, install motion-activated lights. These lights will turn on and illuminate the area when motion is detected. This will alert you to any movement on your property, as well as deter intruders. They can also create the illusion that someone is home. Even your neighbors will be notified if someone wanders onto your property.
Use Smart Lights to Protect Your Rental Property
With smart lights, you can have the appearance that you’re at home even when you’re not. You can also program your lights to turn on and off at certain times. Set the lights to mimic your normal lighting pattern, so it will appear as if someone is at home. In addition, you can control the lights indoors and outdoors via a smartphone app. Having this control can also reduce your electricity bill.
Upgrade Your Security to the Next Level
Install Smart Door Locks
Vacation rental homes benefit from smart locks. With this type of lock, you can monitor who enters your home and when. And they provide a keyless entry option for your rental property. You can give guests long-term or temporary access. You can easily remove your guests’ credentials to your rental once their stay is over. Smart locks also allow you to unlock your doors remotely. Imagine being able to let your repair personnel in as needed remotely. This will save you time and gas $$$$!
Consider Smart Home Video Cameras
Most vacation rental homeowners install wireless smart security cameras outdoors to avoid making guests uncomfortable. This provides home protection without compromising guest privacy. Smart video cameras can be controlled remotely, and you can conveniently adjust your camera setting depending on your needs. These cameras can provide great peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your property 24/7 from anywhere, and you can even receive alerts from your security app when incidents occur.
For Complete Security, Install a Smart Security System
The most effective security system is a smart one. With all connected devices working seamlessly, you can control them all from one app and customize your smart home ecosystem to fit your lifestyle and budget. The security experts at Johns Brothers can help you choose the right smart home security package for your OBX vacation rental home in addition to the innovative home offerings mentioned above. To get started, contact us for a FREE professional consultation at 1-800-242-9760!