Safeguard launches Good Neighbor door hanger initiative to combat vacant blight

Safeguard Properties has led the servicing industry's efforts in proactively partnering with cities and municipalities in dealing with issues that lead to vacant blight. Servicers and local governments are partners in fighting blight, maintaining safe neighborhoods, and ensuring properties are maintained.

The correlation between vacant properties and criminal activity is also well documented in communities nationwide. As foreclosures and vacancies mount, we have seen a material increase in the number of copper pipe thefts, arsons and related crimes at these vacant properties. This ripple effect drastically reduces the servicer’s collateral in their assets and wreaks havoc on the communities where the properties exist.

During extensive communication with Code Enforcement officials around the country, it was represented that it is common practice that all complaints regardless of type (tall grass, theft, vandalism, etc.) must be acted on appropriately to resolution. Typically, the city will issue a citation, complete the required maintenance, declare the property a nuisance and/or place the property on the local fast track for demolition.

In order to mitigate the risk of the above, Safeguard proposes that a door hanger be left at properties adjacent to a vacant and secured property. The Door Hanger will provide an 800 number that will enable the neighbor to contact Safeguard 24/7 if they see any questionable activity or maintenance issue that needs to be addressed.

This approach has received enthusiastic endorsement from code enforcement and city officials that we have discussed it with.

Please click on the following link for the first draft of the proposed Good Neighbor door hanger to be given/left with the neighbor.
Proposed Good Neighbor Door Hanger

Your input and thoughts on this project would greatly be appreciated.

Please send your response and authorization to leave this Door Hanger at properties adjacent to your vacant and secured properties to:

robert.klein1@safeguardproperties.com