Vendor Resource Center
A patrol or guard program is one layer of a property's security plan. The other layer is physical: locks that work, gates that close, cameras that record, lights that stay lit, and damage that gets repaired quickly. Those jobs go to licensed trades, not to a security guard company, and picking the right vendor and comparing bids correctly saves money and prevents repeat problems.
This hub explains what each category of work involves, how to scope and compare bids, what questions to ask, and common red flags — without naming or endorsing specific companies. Always verify a contractor's license directly through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) or, for alarm companies, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
PPO #122730Physical repairs & hardening
Locks, fencing, gates, and access hardware.
- Locksmith & Rekeying: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuideRekeying (changing the internal pins so old keys stop working) is typically far cheaper than full lock replacement and is standard practice after every tenant turnover; get itemized per-door pricing, ask whether master-key systems are being preserved or reset, and verify any locksmith's business license before work begins.Read
- Fencing & Gates: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuidePerimeter fencing should be scoped against both security and CPTED goals — solid fences block sightlines that natural surveillance depends on, while see-through fencing (wrought iron, ornamental steel, chain-link) maintains visibility; compare bids on material, footing depth, and gate hardware, not just linear-foot price.Read
Systems & monitoring
Cameras, lighting, and alarm monitoring.
- Gate Repair & Access Control Installers: A Buyer's GuideAutomatic gate operators and access-control systems (fobs, keypads, card readers, visitor logs) require licensed electrical and low-voltage work; compare bids on system compatibility with your existing hardware, ongoing software/monitoring fees, and response time for outage calls, not just the installation price.Read
- Security Camera Installers: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuideA good camera bid specifies exact camera count, placement, resolution, field of view, and video-retention days — not just a total price — and should be reviewed alongside your lighting plan, since a camera aimed into glare or covering an unlit area produces unusable footage.Read
- Lighting Upgrades: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuideLighting upgrade bids should reference target foot-candle levels and uniformity, not just fixture count or wattage; ask electricians to address dark pockets and glare together, since either one alone can leave a property looking bright while remaining functionally unsafe at ground level.Read
- Alarm Monitoring: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuideAlarm companies operating in California must hold a Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) alarm company license — verify it before signing; compare monitoring contracts on response protocol (who gets called first), false-alarm fee structure, and whether physical dispatch to verify an alarm is included or a separate service.Read
Cleanup & remediation
Graffiti removal and board-up/glass repair.
- Graffiti Removal: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuideFast graffiti removal (often cited as within 24–48 hours) is a core CPTED maintenance practice because visible tagging signals low oversight and invites repeat vandalism; compare removal vendors on surface-safe methods (paint-matching versus chemical or media-blasting removal) and turnaround speed.Read
- Board-Up & Glass Repair: A Property Manager's Buyer's GuideAfter a break-in or vandalism, emergency board-up should happen within hours to prevent weather damage and repeat entry, followed by permanent glass replacement scheduled separately; ask vendors about after-hours response time and whether they coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster.Read
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