Riot-related property damage isn’t just a big-city problem—it’s a growing concern for landlords nationwide. Protests, demonstrations, and periods of civil unrest can quickly escalate into vandalism, broken windows, looting, and even fire damage. For landlords, these events often result in significant repair bills and potential loss of rental income.
While you can’t predict when or where unrest might occur, you can take steps to minimize the impact. Steadily’s landlord insurance includes riot and civil commotion coverage, giving you a financial safety net if your property is affected. But prevention is just as important. Here’s how landlords can proactively protect their rental properties.
1. Secure Entry Points
One of the most common ways rental properties are damaged during unrest is through forced entry. Doors are kicked in, windows shattered, and once inside, damage and theft can escalate. Older buildings, in particular, may have outdated locks or weak frames that are easy to breach.
Strengthening entry points not only deters opportunistic looters but can also slow down or prevent property access entirely.
Tips:
- Install reinforced deadbolts and strike plates
- Upgrade to shatter-resistant glass or add protective window film
- Use security bars or shutters for ground-level windows in high-risk areas
2. Install Visible Security Systems
Visible security measures can serve as powerful deterrents against property damage during civil unrest. Studies show that properties with cameras and alarms are less likely to be targeted, especially when criminals know their actions could be recorded or trigger alerts.
Even if you can’t afford a full security system, simple signage or dummy cameras may reduce your risk.
Tips:
- Place cameras at entrances, exits, and common areas
- Use motion-activated lights to expose intruders
- Display security signage prominently to signal surveillance
3. Protect Vacant Properties
Vacant rental units are especially vulnerable during periods of unrest. Without tenants present to notice suspicious activity or call for help, break-ins and vandalism often go undetected for days. This makes them an easy target for looters or vandals looking for accessible properties.
Proactive management of vacant properties is key to reducing risk.
Tips:
- Regularly inspect vacant units or hire a property management company
- Board up windows and doors if unrest is anticipated
- Install smart locks to monitor and control access remotely
4. Work With Tenants and Neighbors
An informed and vigilant community can be one of your strongest defenses. Tenants and neighbors are often the first to notice suspicious activity and can act quickly to alert authorities. Strong relationships with tenants also encourage cooperation during tense situations, like helping to secure shared spaces or reporting damage immediately.
Neighborhood watch programs and local business groups can also offer valuable support during times of unrest.
Tips:
- Encourage tenants to report suspicious activity immediately
- Connect with neighborhood watch programs or local business associations
- Share safety tips with tenants to help protect their belongings (tenants need renters insurance for personal property coverage)
5. Review Your Landlord Insurance Policy
Even the best preventative measures can’t guarantee your property will remain untouched during riots or civil commotion. That’s why it’s critical to ensure your landlord insurance includes the right protections.
At Steadily, our policies include riot and civil commotion coverage, as well as vandalism and burglary protection. This means if your rental property suffers damage during a period of unrest, you’re covered for repairs and even loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable.
Final Thoughts
Riot damage is unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By taking preventative steps and securing comprehensive landlord insurance, you can protect your property and your peace of mind.
Get a landlord insurance quote from Steadily and stay prepared for whatever comes next.
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