Crime Free Rental Property

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is an international program that began in 1992 and has spread to 43 states and 4 Canadian Provinces, and over 1,700 cities.

Although it was originally intended for multifamily properties, we find that owners and managers of single family rental properties receive as much benefit from this program as multifamily properties. 

Benefits of the program

• A stable, more satisfied tenant
• Increased demand for rental property
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Improved property values
• Improved personal safety for renters
• Appreciative neighbors
• More time spent on routine management
• Less time spent on crisis control

Costs of Drug Activity

When drug criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of your rental property, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay a high price. That price may include:

• Decline in property values -- particularly when the activity begins affecting the reputation of the neighborhood.
• Property damage arising from abuse, retaliation, or neglect; property damage from police raids.
• Fire resulting from the manufacturing or growing of illegal drugs.
• Civil penalties, including temporary closure of property -- or even property seizure.
• Loss of rent during the eviction and repair periods.
• Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants
• Increased resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers
• Loss of good tenants due to frustration of dealing with problem tenants.

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Phase 1: An 8 hour seminar presented at the Bellingham Police Department. Once completed, a certificate is awarded. Details..

Phase 2: A security assessment is conducted by the crime free coordinator and minimal security standards must be met for certification. Details..

Phase 3: Community building via communication with residents. A property that has more than 10 units needs to have two organized meetings a year. If you have 1-10 units you only need to provide reference material to the residents provided by the police department for certification.  Details..

Once all phases are completed, and certified, the property owner and/or manager is eligible to apply to use the Crime Free Multi-Housing signs and/or our copyrighted logo for use in advertising.

Property owners and managers are also asked to use the Drug Free Crime Free Lease Addendum (RTF).

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