Civil Unrest and You: A Renter’s Guide

Hey Renters, Ranters, Landlords and Property Owners. These are turbulent times we live in. One has to look no further than the front page of any newspaper to see that all across the globe, conflicts are raging and people are leaving their houses, apartments, condos and duplexes, and taking to the streets. Some of these protests and demonstrations are peaceful, while others can turn into full-scale riots. Luckily, the Hometown Rant has the guide to helping you protect yourself and your rental property during all demonstrations, riots and uprisings.

The first question you should ask yourself when facing potential cases of civil unrest is, what is the cause that’s being supported or protested? If you’re appropriately for or against said cause, you may want to consider joining the movement. Civil disobedience is one of the most powerful aspects of the democratic system, and exercising your rights is your obligation as a good citizen. There’s a difference between peacefully protesting police shootings, and trying to loot yourself a new pair of running shoes during the confusion. Don’t be the latter. Those people are the reason the cops carry guns in the first place.

As a renter, If you do plan on taking to the streets in a peaceful and organized manner, you’re going to want to make sure that your house, apartment or condo is locked and the lights are off, so as not to attract any unwanted attention. If your rental property is situated within the area of unrest, you may want to leave a note on your door or a sign in your yard so that fellow protesters know that you’re one of them. Don’t leave any valuables in your car, and if your local team has just won the world series, don’t park your car on the street at all.

If you don’t agree with the cause, or things are getting too crazy, you probably don’t want to leave the house, apartment or condo at all, but you still should probably lock your doors and turn your lights off anyways. Or you could make sandwiches and offer them to anyone who breaks in, simultaneously catching them completely off guard and hopefully restoring their faith in basic human morality. If that doesn’t work, you might have to give up your flatscreen.

As a landlord or property owner, keep your eye on the news for any mentions of civil unrest near a rental property that you own or manage, and let your tenants know if any marches or demonstrations are being held in the vicinity of the property, though they will probably already be aware. If things turn nasty though, be prepared for possible damage to your rental property inflicted by unruly civilians, over which the tenants may have no control. While unfortunate in the short-term as property costs take a dip, if you can invest prudently you might be able to snatch up a few more rental properties while the market price is low. It may seem a bit shrewd, but trust us, it’s the American way.

Whoever you are and whatever you decide to do when civil unrest comes knocking at the door of your rental property, make sure that you stay safe and compassionate in protecting yourself and others, your property, and the values that you hold true.

Do you have rental questions of your own? Comments? Concerns? Love letters? Hate mail? Let us know: Hometownrant@hometownrent.com

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