Safety Tips for Managers in Apartment Property Management
While you may not realize it, apartment property management can be quite dangerous at times. People are in desperate times and it is important to be safe. Apartment property managers have to take precautions to insure their safety, as well as those of the tenants and staff members they work with. By using these few tips you can make sure that you are safe and avoid any dangerous threats.
Property management of apartments should consider not meeting new clients after hours if possible. As an apartment property manager, try to meet them during working hours. If you are showing a new home to a current tenant or someone you know personally, then it is an exception. Ask them to schedule for a time during the day that they can meet you. This sometimes will deter someone if they have less than friendly ideas.
Never leave a staff member alone at a property. This is always a red flag to someone who may be watching. While it is not always possible, you should try to work in pairs. Apartment property management offices are no different. Try to have two members in the office at all times. That will reduce the risk of someone coming in to overpower the staff.
Be sure to know as much about a potential tenant as possible before meeting them alone. Invite them into the office to fill out a rental application before showing the home. Retain a driver's license or some sort of ID so you have it on file for who you are showing the home to.
Do not accept cash in the apartment property management office. Since deposits and rents are usually large dollar amounts it is not safe. You should only accepting checks, money orders or online payments to prevent a possible robbery.
Remember your greatest weapon is your intuition. Protect yourself, your staff and your tenants by following these precautions.