1. Chapter 9 Security and Safety

2. I. Security: An Overview A. SECURITY DEFINED B. SECURITY OBLIGATIONS 1. Foreseeable Harm A landlord’s duty to take security precautions relates to the foreseeability of loss or injury. 2. Advertising Security 3. Security Disclosure A lessor who knows about more than the ordinary security problems in the property, complex or neighborhood should make a prospective tenant aware of the risk. When in doubt as to what to disclose, disclose.

3. I. Security: Case Example

4. II. Security and Safety A. LIGHTING Exterior Lighting Motion Sensor Lighting A benefit of motion sensor lighting is the savings in electricity and in the comfort your tenants will experience. Entryways and Halls Emergency Lighting Locked Circuit Breakers

5. II. Security and Safety (cont.) B. LANDSCAPING Proper landscaping along pathways and entryways can reduce crime. C. FENCES AND WALLS

6. II. Security and Safety (cont.) D. DOOR Composition Metal-clad and solid core doors provide the greatest resistance to forced entry. Peepholes Security Chain Hinges

7. II. Security and Safety (cont.) E. LOCKS Skeleton Key Entry Locks which use skeleton keys only keep honest people out. Burglar Pry Bars The quicker the burglary, the less the chance of being caught. Key in-the-Knob Locks Mortised Locks

8. II. Security and Safety (cont.) Beveled Bolts Strike Plate Jamb and Casing Better Locks Dead Bolts Dead bolts are excellent security locks. Using a lock mechanism with numerous tumblers can make picking the lock difficult. Double cylinder dead bolts violate fire ordinances in some areas of the country.

9. II. Security and Safety (cont.) E. LOCKS (cont.) Garage-Type Doors Padlocks Hasps F. WINDOWS Protection Against Breakage Latches Glass cutting Signs and/or labels indicating the property is protected by electronic security even though NO such security exists will deter an unsophisticated criminal.

10. II. Security and Safety (cont.) G. ELECTRONIC GATES Police, fire and ambulance services must be given openers or codes for emergency use. H. GUARD GATE SERVICES I. GUARD SERVICES Founded in 1855, the first paid security service was Pinkerton, which was formed with the realization that public policing could NOT meet all security needs. With a few exceptions, most property management firms probably do NOT possess the expertise needed to hire, train and supervise an employee guard service.

11. II. Security and Safety (cont.) J. GUARD PATROLS K. GUARD DOGS L. ELECTRONIC SECURITY ALARMS 1. Entry Alarms An open-circuit alarm will NOT function if a wire is cut. A closed-circuit alarm system is the preferred security alarm system. 2. Interior Alarms 3. Alarm Box

12. II. Security and Safety (cont.) M. TELEVISION CAMERAS Mock Cameras Monitoring Cameras can reduce the probability of crime and vandalism inside and outside the premises. Covert Cameras Indoor and Outdoor Cameras Maintenance Use of Tapes Like other elements of security, cameras are only part of a total program.

13. II. Security and Safety (cont.) N. BOMB SEARCH If you receive a telephone call as to a bomb, immediately notify the authorities and evacuate the premises. O. RENT COLLECTION SECURITY Resident Manager Mail Only (Checks and Money Orders) Cash At Office Only The authors recommend that whatever property is managed, that all tenants pay by check or money order. P. SHOWING UNITS

14. II. Security and Safety (cont.) Q. EMERGENCY TELEPHONES R. EMERGENCY OXYGEN UNITS S. EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS T. STAFF SUPERVISION U. EMPLOYEE NAME TAGS V. OCCUPANCY RULES W. SECURITY COMMITTEES X. VACANT UNITS An owner can be subject to liability if a vacant property can be accessed even if it involves a case of trespassing.

15. II. Security and Safety (cont.) Y. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Fire extinguishers should be placed in public areas of commercial, office and residential structures. Z. FIRE DOORS The alarm isn’t really for fire alert as much as it is for security. AA. FIRE SUPPRESSION Sprinklers are fire suppression systems.

16. II. Security and Safety (cont.) BB. SMOKE DETECTORS Smoke detectors should be hardwired rather than battery operated. CC. CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS DD. INJURIES ON PREMISES EE. SAFETY RULES FF. OSHA (OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT) An employer who hires seven or more employees must keep records and file reports with OSHA. GG. STATE OSHA