The first step, of course, is to check their credit and employment. Their credit rating is generally a good indicator of whether or not they are responsible with their finances. The higher the credit rating the more confident you can feel that they will pay the rent every month. However, some people have incurred negative marks on their credit report due to the problems with the economy. They may have lost their job which caused them to default on their home loan and be foreclosed on. Therefore, you should also check their employment and income to status to ensure they have the money to pay.

The next step is to do a background check on your prospective renters. You do not want to rent to people with a history of violence, burglary, or other unsavory criminal acts. This could cause serious problems in the neighborhoods where your rentals are situated. For example, convicted sex offenders must register on a database that is publically assessable. If people who live in that neighborhood find out there is a sex offender living in your home, that could cause a lot bad press and legal difficulties for you. Spend the extra time and money and thoroughly vet your renters.

If this sounds like more work than you really want to do to find people for your rental homes then hire a real estate agent or property management company to do it for you. They can screen renters and make sure the necessary paperwork is processed. This may cost you a few dollars but it will save you a lot of time and aggravation. Whatever you decide to do, be certain to thoroughly check out your potential renters to be sure you are getting people who will be great tenants.

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While burglars used to wait until the occupants went on vacation before they tried to rob their homes, many perpetrators seem to have developed mental disorders and have escalated to performing home invasions. Meaning, they don’t care if you are home or not. They are coming in. Add a troubled economy that is putting people out of jobs left and right to that insanity and investing in home protection becomes imperative.

But home protection devices don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Here are few you can buy that will protect your home without breaking the bank.

KeyPout Deadbolt Door Security

A television news station recently reported on a new way criminals are gaining entry into your home (video below). It’s called Lock Bumping. With the right tools and a few instructions found on the internet, an intruder can get into your home without breaking a sweat. Avoid becoming another home invasion story with a simple home protection device called the KeyPout Deadbolt Door Security.

When engaged, this product prevents the deadbolt from being turned even if someone has inserted the key. It’s extremely easy to install. Just hang it over your standard deadbolt, align it with the appropriate slot, and you’re done. The best thing about these home protection devices is they are cheap enough that you can get one for every door in your home and for people in your social network as well.

Davie Bar Door Security

Another great home protection device that can put a stop to a home invasion before it begins is the Davie Bar Door Security. This bar is similar to sticking a chair under the door knob to prevent the door from being opened except it is much more effective. The bar features a U-shaped handle which fits any doorknob. Designed by a Canadian Mountie, this door jammer can withstand 2,000 pounds of pressure and yet is still as light as a feather.

There is a two piece segment for homes and a three piece segment for when you travel to strange locations and want to take a little home protection on the road with you.

Mace Window Jammer

So far, I’ve been focused on protecting the front door when thieves and other ne’er do wells can also break into your home through the windows. One home protection device that helps keep your windows tight and secure is the Mace Window Jammer. This small device prevents the window from being opened wide enough for a creep to invade your home.

Simply bolt the device into the window track and the window won’t open. It is adjustable, so you can set it so that will let the window open just far enough to let in some fresh air but still keep you safe. Protecting yourself from a home invasion has never been so easy.

Your home protection system can be as elaborate or as simple as you need it to be. The point is you should have measures in place to protect yourself from the crazies. In this wild, mixed up world if you don’t look out for yourself, no one else will.

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MicroInfoSource is a knowledge blog that provides tidbits of useful information on a range of topics including marketing, home based business, holidays, fashion, home improvement, celebrities, product reviews, and much more.