If you’re thinking of purchasing a rental unit, you better be prepared to police your investment. 

Often folks invest in property not as their main residence but strictly as an investment and income generator. These folks are fixated on one thing – the next month’s rent – and don’t look too carefully at what’s taking place in and around their rental property. 

Often these investors maximize their profits on the least amount of expenditures.

Unfortunately, because of this many beautiful, neighbourhoods have deteriorated and become more crime infested.

These security issues often begin when the investor selects a property in a nice quiet area, and outfits the home with bad tenants – tenants who not only abuse the home but abuse the surrounding area.

Many peaceful neighbourhoods have fallen hostage to “bad news” renters. I’m talking about renters who host unlawful activities like loud parties, screeching vehicles and drug activity.

So who do we blame for these types of disturbances to otherwise quiet neighbourhoods?

Ultimately, the tenants should accept blame for disturbing the peace, but lets not overlook the homeowner’s responsibility.

The homeowner not only has a responsibility to the neighbourhood but to the community in which he or she has invested. 

Safeguarding their investment has to involve more than just turning a key over to a house full of undesirables. They need to follow up with proper policing of their rental home for the safety and security of the community.

Landlords need to step up to the plate and take full responsibility for their investment if they want to keep our communities safe.

Opening the lines of communication between landlords, tenants and neighbours is crucial when it comes to crime prevention.

A pro-active home investor will take immediate action on complaints from police or neighbours. All complaints need to be assessed by the landlord and followed through.

Often home investors turn a blind eye to suspected illegal activities, as long as the rent is placed on the table at the beginning of the month.

Nothing is more dangerous to a neighbourhood than a lenient landlord. So don’t be taken advantage of by a “smooth talking” renter.

Chances are if you’ve been a landlord for a while, you have run into this type of person.

This is the person who can’t figure out why the neighbours are complaining.

A victim of unfairness, even though the police have attended the home on several occasions and you’ve received numerous calls from concerned neighbours. 

Keep in mind, pursuant to section 29 of the Residential Tenancy Act a landlord could be inspecting areas leased including all rooms, closets, bathrooms, storage areas, yard and garage on a regular basis no less than every 30 days.

Frank Fourchalk writes bi-weekly on home and business security for The Peace Arch News. www.yourhomesecurity.ca