When to ADVERTISE the property has a SECURITY SYSTEM!!!

For many years, new construction contained a TRASH COMPACTOR.....now they NEVER have them and I have actually removed them and installed cabinets where space was critical in kitchens....they were too messy, bags were expensive AND recycling efforts make the additional expense for use unnecessary.

Now, the NEXT item that may be obsolete fairly quickly are SECURITY/ALARM systems.  Many area builders are touting that their units have security systems.  The systems usually require a phone line and many residents no longer have a land phone line.  I noted this trend 5 years ago and changed my application forms to ask for e-mail AND mobile phone contact information.  Without a phone line, many newer  systems are are worthless.  Now systems are wireless on individual security systems "wireless" conections; however, these still require electric power and prolonged power outages may cause problems to the system with re-setting necessary when power is restored......all of these obstacles are nuisances HOWEVER, the BIG nuisance is the COST....even with builder installed systems, they are EXPENSIVE for the monthly charge and a 2 to 4 year contract is required.

I never sign an installation authorization for a tenant that is LONGER than their current lease term so the situation where tenants want to install their OWN system rarely happens in my properties....and when they do,  I suggest that residents investigate non-installed systems available at Home Depot (#20) or Lowe's (#48).

When it comes to advertising a security system, if it is already installed with a contract with longer than a year, I include the cost in the lease figure and promote the feature in the property listing.

When the system contract is less than a year, I allow that tenants can take over the agreement and pay the cost in ADDITION to their rent AND continue on with the service contract when the current one expires....this way the tenant can decide to continue the service or it can be cancelled at the expiration and offered to future tenants at their own expense.