Get to know the Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) in the area where your rental property is located. NPOs are available to assist for non-emergency situations. For a list of NPOs and their contact information by police precinct, visit the City’s NPO webpage.  

To report illegal dumping, download the Improve Detroit app SeeClickFix on your smartphone, or visit the City’s Improve Detroit online.

There may be times where you are performing repairs, or are in between tenants, leaving your property temporarily vacant. A vacant rental property left unmonitored and unsecure, is often an open invitation for vandalism and theft. If you as a rental property owner are not regularly checking on your property, you should hire a professional property management company who will. In addition to you, or a trusted professional checking in on the property, there are a number of ways to make the property look cared for and occupied.

• Always keep the exterior of the building clean and well-maintained
• Stop mail delivery so that mail isn’t piling up
• Post security signs and window stickers (whether you have a security system or not)
• Install exterior lighting, and keep electricity on (ideally with lighting set on timers)
• Consider installing cameras around the premises to monitor your property from a mobile device
• Consider installing driveway sensors, interior motion sensors, and doorbell alerts linked to your mobile device
• Avoid using plywood to cover windows and doors, as it easily draws attention to the property being vacant. Look into other window and door security options such as plexiglass and steel mesh screens for a more secure and aesthetically pleasing alternative
• Replace broken windows, and consider more discrete window and door protections like steel mesh screens
• Mow the grass, maintain landscaping, remove any dumped debris
• Use front and backyard landscaping, e.g. fencing or plantings, to deter illegal dumping