How To Protect Private Property
Protecting your private property is a concern for home owners, renters and those fighting against government land seizure redevelopment plans that could compromise their property's worth or condition. You can take small steps to protect your property by purchasing insurance, protecting against burglary, running a credit check on your tenants, and knowing your property rights. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fence
- WiFi webcam
- Security alarm company
- Flood insurance
- Home owner's insurance
- Security deposit
- Alliance to Protect Private Property Rights membership
Instructions
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Post private property signs around your home or business. Include notices that the property is under surveillance or that it's protected by a security alarm system. Regardless whether or not you have an alarm system, the notice can deter a potential intruder.
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Install a high fence around the perimeter of your property to keep out unwanted visitors, stray animals and passersby. You can include barb wire at the top if necessary. Use a gate at your driveway with a call box to alert you of anyone's presence.
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Hire a private security alarm company to secure your home. An alarm system typically covers windows, doors, attics and movement inside your home. An intruder will trigger the alarm system, alerting the security company to send out police officers. Set up a WiFi webcam at your front door so you can monitor activity in your home from your computer when you are traveling.
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Purchase flood insurance, waterproof your basement, invest in a new roof, fix cracks in your driveway, check the siding on your house for wear and tear, and keep your home's condition up to date. The longer you let repairs go, the worse they will be. Purchasing a home warranty can cover the replacement of hot water heaters, furnaces and appliances, depending on your policy.
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Keep your home owner's insurance and any other property insurance, including flood insurance, up to date. Many home owner's policies do not cover flooding in high risk areas near beaches or flood zones. Make a record of your home's inventory, including antiques, jewelry, appliances, computers, collectibles, and paintings. Include dates items were purchased, pictures of the items, and purchase receipts.
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Ask for a security deposit and a signed lease with a credit check if you plan to rent your private property. Keep the security deposit in the event of tenant neglect or damage to your property. Consider corporate or short-term rentals to have more control over your property and the tenants.
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Look for an Alliance to Protect Private Property Rights or similar organization in your state. California's organization (see Resources) works to protect private property rights for owners. This may include fighting against land seizures by the government or redevelopment for new construction.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase renters insurance if you don't own your residence.
Get a regular inspection of your property to check for termites, mold and other potentially damaging problems such as leaky water pipes.
