Tenant discount on units that door alarms have stopped working

tbaginski

We are a 24/7 access facility.  We have video surveillance and gate code activation for entry and exit.  All 700+ units have individual door contacts for alarms.  However, over time, some of these contacts have stopped working and are no longer available to purchase and replace.  We thought about advising tenant that there door has no alarm on it when renting it and offering a small monthly discount as well as documentation in their lease since we do advertise individual door alarm contacts.  Does anyone else have any other ideas on how or what we can possibly discount for a tenant who isn't concerned about this feature?

themage

Most of the switches should have generic alternatives that will wire in without a problem, unless you are using wireless alarms.

I think you have the right idea, if you have to go without fixing the alarms. You could set up a new unit type called "unalarmed" or something and change the effected units to the new type, turn off the alarm attribute and set rates accordingly. 

MamaDuke7

Honestly, I would NEVER tell a tenant that the door alarm isn't working.  To me, that asks for problems that don't need to be an issue.

tbaginski

Thanks for the input.  We have exhausted all of our alternatives for replacement of door contacts.  I guess with the equipment we are using here, generic alternatives are not an option for us.  They've spent quite a bit on consults with various companies to resolve this with no success.  

I had made the suggestion to management to not advise tenant that their door alarm isn't working, but owner wanted to make sure they were aware which is why I was opening this up for suggestions...however I agree with Mama Duke.

GlenMark

MamaDuke7 said:

Honestly, I would NEVER tell a tenant that the door alarm isn't working.  To me, that asks for problems that don't need to be an issue.

We don't either. We are also always on top of our door alarms. If there is an issue, we solve it as immediately as we can. Not that we have issues with break-ins, but we are a company that prides itself on being proactive.

teamcapitola

Door alarms are pretty generic; it's just a magnetic switch open/close running on basically 12v / 18 gauge wire. it's a closed loop that alarms when the loop is interrupted (opened) just like home/office alarms.

It's pretty easy to wire a new switch as long as you match your current system (open or closed and voltage being used).  We use PTI and they still sell the switches, but the tech itself is really simple... when the switch is "open" the door shows as open.

If you have anyone (handyperson, local high school kid, hobbyist etc.) who does low voltage stuff, just have them look at an existing working alarm, test with a multimeter, and I'm 100% sure them can find something that will work for your system.

igotthisnow

I had door alarms on a previous loaction I owned.  Never again, as it ages it's tough to keep operational.