Renting out commercial real estate is a great way to generate additional income and expand your portfolio. From retail stores to office buildings, commercial real estate offers a variety of opportunities to entrepreneurs and investors alike. But before you jump on board with a commercial property rental, it’s important to consider the security of your investment.
Without further ado, here are six key security considerations for renting out a commercial building:
1. Security Cameras
Installing security cameras at each entry and exit point of the building is a must for any commercial property. Just like with home security systems, having a good set of security cameras can help deter potential criminals, as well as provide a record of any suspicious activity that might occur.
This is something that renters know all too well and actually prioritize, making it a good way to boost the value of your commercial building while reducing tenancy downtimes.
2. Should You Get Security Guards?
Before renting out your commercial building, hiring security guards to patrol the premises can be an effective way to protect your investment.
Besides deterring criminals, security guards can also help identify potential risks and notify the authorities if needed. And again, renters are likely to prefer and pay more for a property with security guards manning the entries and certain parts of the perimeter, preferably 24/7.
3. Access Control Systems
Installing an access control system is a great way to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the building. These systems can be set up to allow multiple levels of access, ensuring that only the right people can get in and out.
Alongside keyless entry, installing access control systems can be a great way to attract organizations and business tenants that love the idea of not having to carry keys around. The best part is that it offers a higher level of security and can be customized to suit the tenant’s individual or business needs.
4. Is My Building Properly Lit?
Proper lighting is essential in deterring criminal activity. Installing well-lit exterior lighting can make it difficult for criminals to hide and make the property less of a target. While examining your building’s lighting needs, you might want to consider lighting options such as:
– Perimeter Lighting
Perimeter lighting is an effective way to illuminate the area surrounding a commercial building, making it more difficult for intruders to approach undetected.
– Motion Sensor Lights
Designed to specifically detect motion from several feet away, motion sensor lights are an effective way to deter potential intruders. They can be mounted on the exterior of the building and often turn on automatically when motion is detected, alerting you and anyone nearby that something is happening.
– Intelligent Lighting
Intelligent lighting systems allow you to adjust the lighting levels inside and outside the building based on the time of day or when motion is detected.
5. Alarms and Monitoring
This one doesn’t need much explaining at all. Alarms and monitoring systems can be used to monitor the building and alert the authorities in case of a break-in or other emergency. These systems can also be set up to alert you of any suspicious activity.
6. Are Your Locks Good Enough?
It may seem like a minor detail, but the quality of the locks on the building is essential to its security. They should be strong enough to withstand forced entry and of a standard that is approved by your insurance company. The type of door locks installed can also make a huge difference.
For instance, for most types of commercial doors where entry is restricted to certain individuals, you may want to consider installing a magnetic door lock system. These are great for a wide range of businesses that need a high level of security, from banks to high-end jewelry stores.
By taking the necessary steps to secure your commercial property, you can protect your investment and ensure that it is a safe and secure environment for those who use it.
With the right security measures in place, you can rest assured that your property is well-protected and will attract the right tenants. Scheduling regular security assessments is also a great way to stay on top of any potential security risks, spot vulnerabilities, and have them addressed.