If you are still waiting to jump on the outdoor living space bandwagon, do it now!

Too often, potential home buyers make the decision of choosing a rental property from it's curb appeal. Yet, outdoor areas and landscaping is always underdone or overlooked.  Impressive and attractive landscapes can add more value to your home.

The best time to start cleaning your outdoor areas is a month before you plan to list your home for rent. Doing this will give you enough time to get everything looking perfect and will also remove the impression that you have made last minute changes.

Not only will a clean landscape add to your curb appeal, but will also make you feel safe in your property. We've put together some common tips  to boost rental security around your rental property. 

First, start with a plan:

• Check access points like fences and doors
• Keep an eye on surveillance and ensure that things like windows, landscaping, and lighting are in good working condition
• Keep sideways, ordinances and reinforcements clean

1. Upgrade outdoor lighting

Follow new rental trends and change things accordingly. Try, mounting lamps in the front yard; this will not only add decor to your property, but will also help in exposing trespassers. Make sure to position the light fixtures away from any areas that cause shadows. You can also install high-intensity and motion-sensitive lights or use high-pressure sodium bulbs.

2. Spend time gardening 

Gardens and landscapes are one of the most attractive spaces, so keep them clean. Grow native plants that are both low maintenance and cost efficient. You can also add shade trees or tall shrubs. 

Shrubs should be trimmed and neat, as overgrown shrubs are not only an eyesore, but also create a hidden place for intruders allowing them to enter the property. Trimmed and cut bushes also increase the visibility of the yard, thereby making your rental property safe and secure.

4. Keep space between trees and windows clear

Branches off trees that are close to the upper story houses or windows can become an easy way for trespassers to enter a property.  Inspect your home to check if there’s an open windows or roof access. 

5. Secure the perimeter by creating a boundary

Either install a fence around your property’s periphery to make your house private and secure. Just make sure to pick a fence made from safe and resilient material. You can either use wood, PVC, or aluminum to secure the property. The fence should have padlocked gates, a high-quality locking mechanism to secure everything.

6. Pave entryways

Secure front lawns and entryways to keep trespassers at bay. Cover the exposed areas near windows or doors with material such as gravel to deter intruders from the property. A break in requires complete silence and unpredictability, so add gravel to offer a defence against potential threats.

Those were some of the most important tips you can use to protect your property. These tweaks will not only help you attract more tenants but will also boost rental security.