Finding the right apartment is challenging. People have a long list of requirements, such as monthly rent, whether it includes utilities, and if it has off-street parking. But a primary concern is personal safety. A right outdoor lighting for tenant safety plays a crucial role in keeping your property secure. Your tenants want to know that your apartment building has secure entries and strong locks and that there are no dark areas for intruders to hide.
In addition, providing a well-lit apartment building can help you get and keep better tenants. By deterring potential crime and the people who commit criminal acts, families, young professionals, and retirees are more likely to find your building a pleasant place to live.
Benefits of Outdoor Lighting
In addition to keeping your buildings secure, there are other reasons why you need right outdoor lighting.
Accident Prevention
Increasing visibility in high-traffic areas such as sidewalks, outdoor stairways, and parking lots can reduce the risk of your tenants struggling to see in the dark and tripping over unseen objects.
Enhance Property Appeal
The right lighting can improve your property’s curb appeal. Warm lighting along pathways and uplights on outdoor walls highlight architectural features and create a welcoming atmosphere. Your building will seem more inviting, increasing the likelihood of prospective tenants requesting tours.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies look at a building’s safety features designed to mitigate risk, such as security cameras, sprinkler systems, and outdoor lights. A safe and secure building can get you better coverage at a lower rate.
Outdoor Lighting Placement
Your first step is identifying high-priority areas. Your parking lots, walkways, entryways, and mailbox area should be well-lit. Walking through your property at night can help you identify dark spots, unsafe areas, and trip hazards.
While outdoor lighting is vital, you also want to avoid overlighting. Too much lighting can be intrusive, especially if it spills over into apartments or another property. In addition, the glare can reduce visibility in some areas. If your parking area is broken into smaller lots, 12,000 to 18,000 lumens are sufficient. You should go with 20,000 to 30,000 lumens if you have one large parking lot.
Choosing the Right Lights
LED lights may cost more upfront but are a longer-lasting, more energy-efficient option than halogen lights. By consuming less energy, you can enjoy better savings on your electric bill. In addition, you may be eligible for tax deductions.
Installing motion detectors is another way to increase your property’s safety and security without increasing your electric bill. Some come with smart sensors that can be configured to tell the difference between animals and humans, thus coming on and startling potential intruders but staying off when a cat crosses the parking lot.
Proper maintenance can keep your lighting system functional and energy-efficient. Cleaning your fixtures, replacing burnt-out bulbs, and checking for damage and normal wear are key to maximizing your outdoor lighting investment.
Outdoor Lighting From Houston Lightscapes
Ensuring your tenant’s safety with right outdoor lighting shows them you care about their well-being. In turn, your tenants are more likely to stay and recommend your apartments to others. Your apartment buildings will have a reputation for being a good place to live.
Working with Houston Lightscapes can ensure your outdoor lighting project is done correctly. Our lighting professionals use only high-quality materials and are committed to delivering superior results.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (713) 461-3600.