Before Criminals Come Calling

Though written for those who rent out their properties, the article, Before Criminals Come Calling Have a Security Plan, is good reading for anyone in the community because it has information about basic steps to secure your property.

It also has food for thought especially for owners who rent their properties. It explains that you want to keep the unit as safe for tenants you would keep it for yourself because of the potential liability involved.

It also spells out why you want to perform criminal as well as credit background checks. If you rent to someone who turns out to be a known criminal who does his misdeeds here, you could get sued! It might cost you a bit of money in the short run but could save you -- and those who live near your unit -- a lot in the long term.