Crime Free Multi-Housing

The program is a three-part approach to crime prevention, designed specifically for the rental community. By joining this program, you will complete phases towards making your property a safer living environment for your tenants. The Sheriff's Department's Public Affairs Division is responsible for managing the countywide program and providing training to managers.

We will provide free classroom instruction to property owners and managers, as well as other staff, which includes:

• Introduction to the Crime Free Lease Addendum
• Learning the eviction process
• Establishing fair screening
• Learning your legal rights and responsibilities
• Optimizing your professional relationship with law enforcement
• Terms of Programs Registration & Agreement
• Crime Free Lease Addendum

Staff from your local sheriff's station will conduct an inspection of your property using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. CPTED is a nationally accepted multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. Staff will review findings and any areas that need improvement.The property must meet the minimum requirements of CPTED in order to move to Phase III.After passing the CPTED Inspection, the property will be authorized to order Crime Free Multi-Housing signs. The signs should be placed in strategic locations throughout your property.

An annual crime prevention safety social for property residents designed to bring managers, tenants, and local law enforcement together to inform tenants about the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. A final certificate is issued showing that the propery has completed all phases of the program.

When criminals operate out of a rental property, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay the price. That price may include:

• A decline in property value
• Property damage from neglect or abuse
• Increase risk of civil liability
• Added fear of respectable tenants
• Valued tenants move due to crime
• Loss of rental income due to eviction or property repair

• Improved property values
• A stable tenant base
• Improved property reputation
• Lower maintenance costs
• More secure rental units
• Safer exterior environment
• Reduced premise liability

For more information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing program or if you would like to get your property started, please contact your crime prevention officer.