Every landlord’s fear is finding out your “good” tenants are up to no good, using your property for illegal stuff. That could land you with big repair costs, lost rent, and insurance headaches—not to mention the police knocking at your door.
Don’t freak out, though; most tenants are law-abiding. Still, keep your eyes peeled for red flags at your rental, especially if you’re busy or your property’s in a “safe” area. Even a nice neighborhood can hide illegal activities like drug dealing, human trafficking, or illegal subletting.
So, what should you watch out for?
- Can’t get inside your property? Your tenant’s always got an excuse.
- They’ve set up their own security or CCTV.
- Neighbours complaining about odd hours and noise.
- Weird smells? Could be drugs or something worse.
- Messed-up wiring? Might be a sign of a grow-op.
- Dead grass or stained concrete? Chemicals may be involved.
- Barely any furniture? Could be a hub for illegal stuff.
- Blacked-out windows? They’re hiding something.
- Overflowing trash? Might be too many people living there.
Keeping Your Property Safe:
- Always vet your tenants. Skip the “cash upfront, no contract” deals.
- Meet the neighbours. Give them a way to contact you.
- Get proper landlord insurance.
- Build a good relationship with your tenants. Be proactive and by-the-book.
- Regularly inspect the property.
- Consider hiring an experienced letting agent.
Stay alert, and you’ll be way ahead of any issues that could hurt your investment.
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