Rental properties are frequent targets for burglary, especially in high-turnover areas or when units are left vacant. For landlords, a break-in means more than stolen appliances—it can mean costly repairs, lost rental income, and unhappy tenants.
The good news? Knowing the most common burglary risks can help you prevent them—and having the right insurance makes recovery much easier. At Steadily, our landlord insurance includes vandalism and burglary coverage to protect your property and your bottom line.
Here are five top risks landlords should watch for, and what you can do to keep your properties safe.
1. Vacant or Unoccupied Properties
Vacant rentals are prime targets for burglars. Without tenants present to notice suspicious activity, break-ins often go undetected for days or weeks.
How to Protect:
- Install motion-activated lights and visible security cameras
- Use smart locks to monitor access remotely
- Consider hiring a property management company to check on vacant units regularly
- Notify local police if the property will be empty for an extended period
Many landlord insurance policies exclude burglary coverage after a property has been vacant for 30 days. Check your policy details to avoid gaps in protection.
2. Poor Exterior Lighting and Landscaping
Burglars prefer to operate in the shadows. Overgrown bushes and dark entryways make it easy for them to hide while breaking in.
How to Protect:
- Trim trees and shrubs near windows and doors
- Install exterior lighting around entry points and walkways
- Use timers for lights to create the appearance of occupancy
3. Weak Locks and Entry Points
Unlocked doors or outdated locks are one of the simplest ways burglars gain entry. Older properties often have sliding glass doors or windows with inadequate security.
How to Protect:
- Upgrade to deadbolt locks and reinforced strike plates
- Install window locks or security bars for ground-level units
- Consider smart locks for remote access control and monitoring
4. High-Turnover Tenant Areas
Properties in neighborhoods with frequent tenant turnover are more likely to face burglary risks. New tenants may be less familiar with the area, and vacant units between leases can attract criminal attention.
How to Protect:
- Change or rekey locks after every tenant
- Encourage tenants to purchase renters insurance for their belongings
- Provide tips to new tenants about neighborhood watch programs and basic security practices
5. Visible Landlord-Owned Appliances and Furnishings
In furnished rentals, landlord-owned items like TVs, washers, dryers, and appliances are high-value targets. Even in unfurnished units, burglars may steal copper wiring or HVAC components.
How to Protect:
- Avoid advertising furnished units with photos of expensive electronics
- Secure outdoor HVAC units with cages or alarms
- Consider installing interior cameras in common areas (where legally allowed) in multi-unit buildings
How Landlord Insurance Can Help After a Burglary
Even with preventative measures, no property is completely immune to break-ins. That’s where landlord insurance comes in. Burglary coverage can help pay for:
- Repairs to doors, windows, and locks after forced entry
- Replacement of stolen landlord-owned appliances or fixtures
- Temporary security measures after a break-in
At Steadily, our landlord insurance policies include burglary and vandalism protection as standard. Learn more about vandalism and burglary coverage and see how we can help safeguard your rental properties.
Final Thoughts
Burglary risks are an unfortunate reality for landlords, but with the right precautions and insurance coverage, you can protect your property and your income.
Get a landlord insurance quote from Steadily today and find out how we help landlords recover quickly from unexpected break-ins.
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