CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM

 

Mission Statement
Develop a successful Crime Free Multi-Housing Program that enhances the partnership between the Tempe Police Department and multi-housing communities by addressing public safety concerns and improving the quality of life by facilitating active management and resident participation.

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is designed to help owners, residents and the managers of rental properties keep drugs and other illegal activity off their property.

The purpose of the program is to educate owners, managers, and their residents to improve the livability of the neighborhoods by reducing crime. The program is solution oriented. It is designed to be very easy and effective in reducing crime in rental properties. It takes a coordinated effort between the property owners, managers, law enforcement and tenants to reduce illegal activity in their neighborhood.

        The program uses a unique three phase approach that ensures crime prevention goal is being reached:

Phase One

        A one day free seminar presented by the Tempe Police Department. Topics include; working with the police, warning signs of illegal activity, crime prevention strategies, crime free drug free lease addendum, becoming a pro-active property manager, strengthening rental agreements, resident and employee screening, the eviction process, Arizona Residential Landlord/Tenant Act and building a community. This nationally recognized program has consistently proved effective in helping landlords and property owners. The accessible and legitimate techniques taught can stop the spread of criminal activity in rental properties. Training manual and resource materials are provided to help establish a crime free environment.  See our Upcoming Events page for details.

Click here for the Crime Free - Drug Free Lease Addendum

Phase Two

            A security evaluation inspection is performed by the Tempe Police Department to ensure the property meets minimum security standards.

Phase Three

Apartment communities will host a crime prevention event to establish an apartment watch program.

At the completion of all three phases, the property will be granted permission the use of Crime Free Multi-Housing signs stating they have joined the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. The property will also be granted use of  the program logo for marketing purposes. The property will be audited annually for compliance in order to grant renewal certificate. 


Benefits to Participating in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

  • Improved Property Value
  • Improved personal safety for residents
  • Stable, more satisfied tenant base
  • Increase demand for rental units
  • Lower maintenance and repair cost
  • More time spent on routine management and less on crisis control

Cost of criminal and nuisance activity on rental property

  • Decline in property value when the activity begins to affect the reputation of the neighborhood
  • Property damage arising from abuse, retaliation, neglect, as well as police searches
  • Fire resulting from manufacturing or grow operations
  • Loss of rent during the eviction and repair periods
  • Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants or their guests
  • Increased resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers
  • The loss of valued tenants
  • Possible criminal abatement process

Active Landlords + Safer Property + Involved Residents = Less Crime

To obtain further information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and/or to register for upcoming training contact:

Tempe Police Department
Attention: Brandon Eaden
Crime Prevention Specialist
P.O. Box 5002
Tempe, AZ 85282

Office (480) 858-6219
Fax (480) 858-6339

or email brandon_eaden@tempe.gov