This is the latest in a series of articles that will regularly appear on KenoWi.com from Kenosha Police Department Crime Prevention Unit Officers Jeff Wamboldt and Ron Francis:

Landlords and property managers can help raise the quality of life in rental communities by attending a free Crime-Free Multi-Housing seminar facilitated by the Kenosha Police Department. Reservations are now being taken for the March 24, 2012, seminar. To reserve a space, call the Crime Prevention Unit at 657-3937, or email at [email protected].

From single family homes to multi-family buildings, the Crime-Free Multi-Housing initiative will help reduce crime and calls for service while creating a safer atmosphere for tenants and the surrounding neighborhood.

Nearly 2,000 communities in 44 states, five Canadian Provinces, Mexico, England, and several other countries have been trained in Crime-Free Multi-Housing. Personnel from the Kenosha Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, and various other city service departments, as well as members of the Kenosha Landlord Association, and a local real estate attorney, have teamed up to tailor this innovative program for the citizens of Kenosha. Seminars will provide information concerning:

• Property Maintenance Codes
• Crime Prevention Techniques
• Applicant Screening
• Leases and Evictions
• Crime Free Lease Addendums
• Process Serving
• Fire Safety

Waste and disposal, drug abuse, disorderly behavior, destruction of property, theft, and acts of violence are all symptoms of non-functional, deteriorating neighborhoods. The Kenosha Crime-Free Multi-Housing initiative will be the vehicle for citizens working toward an improved quality of life. All landlords who desire a crime-free environment are encouraged to take part.

Who Benefits from Crime-Free Multi-Housing?

Most landlords want to rent to non-disruptive tenants. Renting to criminals can lead to dramatic declines in property values, severe property damage, and loss of rent during evictions. Ultimately, this trouble will lead to animosity between residents, landlords, and the community at large.

In contrast, participating landlords reap numerous benefits, such as:

• Acquiring a more stabilized tenant base
• Having a reputation for active management
• Improved property values
• Lower maintenance costs
• Increased levels of personal safety for both tenants and neighbors

The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Initiative is about sharing information. Information is power, and this initiative gives landlords the power to maximize their investments, while maintaining a safe, stable environment in our neighborhoods. With the ultimate benefit being a better Kenosha, the Crime-Free Multi -Housing Initiative will effectively deal with illegal activity on or around rental properties, while providing tenants with the best protection against crime and violent criminals.

Watch for announcements about future seminars, or call the Kenosha Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 657-3937, or email [email protected].  For other crime prevention information, join their Facebook page.