President, Management Alert Group, Ltd.,

Co-chairman Drug Abatement Task Force San Diego Apartment Association

And Scott Silverman

Vice - President, Management Alert Group, Ltd.,

Co-chairman Drug Abatement Task Force San Diego Apartment Association

Mr. Webster’s definition of security seems clear and simple enough, but as rental owners and managers, we should note that it has two aspects.  The first speaks of the emotional or psychological concerns of an individual.  The second refers to the physical means of achieving security.

At the May meeting of Management Alert, these two aspects of security as they relate to rental property were analyzed in depth.  Specifically, do we have the right kind of security in the right amounts?  And are we addressing the needs of the residents?

The needs of the residents

Because successful apartment management revolves around our ability to attract and retain good residents, we need to become more aware of their needs and perceptions.  How do they view their surroundings?  Do they perceive that we are working actively to meet their needs?

Whether you rent to seniors, families, single parents or live-alones, all your residents have a common requirement – that their homes be safe and secure, an environment in which they can be free from the intrusion of the outside world and its problems.

In most cases, the owner of an apartment building does not live on his rental property; frequently, he does not even live in the same neighborhood.  The fact that we view our own neighborhoods as reasonably safe does not mean that our residents have the same perception of their neighborhood (or, even worse, of their building), their sense of security will be greatly weakened.

The two sides of security

Like the two aspects of Webster’s definition, our goals should be two-fold: to create a physically safe environment and to enhance the resident’s sense of security as well.

The fact that we have erected a fence, put in security lights, or hired a guard to patrol the property may not be enough to guarantee that the residents feel safe.  The residents must also sense a positive attitude in the on-site manager, the property manager and the owner.  They must know that we care about them as people and that we will take all reasonable measures to make their environment comfortable and secure.

Several years ago in response to the frustration felt by many individuals in various neighborhoods, the police department organized the Neighborhood Watch program.  The goal was to create a sense of community where neighbors would watch out for each other.  It made everyone feel more secure, knowing that someone else took an interest in their well-being.  In effect, all the participants benefitted, including the police who now had help in identifying problems and suspects.  It has often been reported that crime decreases in those areas which have active Neighborhood Watch programs.

The same thing can happen in a rental community.  Management Alert has always felt that the more active the residents, managers and owners become in solving the problems of drugs and crime on their properties, the safer the entire neighborhood becomes.  Through our own actions, we can create both the physical and the psychological security needed by our residents.  Since our objective is to retain our good residents, security considerations should play a major part in our plans.

Think like a criminal

Although it sound strange, the next time you walk your property, try to think like a criminal.  Look around you as if you were involved in drug or gang activity.  Are there places to hide?  Is the lighting bright or dim?  Could you escape easily if the police were after you?  Does the on-site manager pay attention to the people walking around the property?  Can you get in and out without being seen?  Would the other renters notice you or care what you were doing?

These are questions drug dealers and gang members ask every day when they look for new places to do business.

Once you begin to understand how they think – and what to look for in a property – you will begin to understand how to stop them.  They are looking for ways to keep their illegal businesses going.  You are looking for ways to stop them.

Everything you do to create that sense of security will pay off as new residents move in and the bad ones leave.  After all, don’t we all feel the need to be secure?

Reprinted from

Rental Owner Magazine