Crime Free Housing

Overview

The Crime Free Multi/Mobile-Housing Program is a program in which the Police Department and rental communities within the City work together to keep crime and criminals away from the residents who live there.

The program consists of three phases that must be completed under the supervision of the Apache Junction Police Department. Property managers can become individually certified after completing training in each phase and the property becomes certified upon successful completion of all three phases. 
 
  The Phases of the CFMH are described below:
CFMH Logo.jpg
Phase I - Management Training (8-Hours) Taught by the Police
  • Crime Prevention Theory
  • CPTED Theory (Physical Security)
  •  Drug Awareness & Trends
  • Lease Agreements and Eviction Issues
  • Crime Free Lease Addendum
  •  Gangs & Graffiti
  •  Working with the Police
Phase II - Community Awareness Training
  • Initial community meeting to educate community and understanding and support for the CFMH program
  • Ongoing community awareness meetings and continuous participation is encouraged
  • Annual crime prevention social taught hosted property management and the police department
Phase III - CPTED - Survey by the Police
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Survey (CPTED)
  • Minimum door, window, and lock standards compliance inspection
  • Minimum exterior lighting standards evaluation
  • Key Control procedures evaluation
  • Landscape maintenance standards evaluation
Full certification (gold certificate) permits the right to post the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program sign and advertise membership in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program in the print media using the official logo. This certificate EXPIRES EVERY YEAR unless renewed following compliance with Phases II & III.

Benefits of participating in the CFMH Program

The anticipated benefits are reduced police calls for service, a more stable resident base, and reduced exposure to civil liability.

Costs of Drug Activity In Rental Property

When drug criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of rental property, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay a high price. That price may include:
  • Decline in property values -- particularly when the activity begins affecting the reputation of the neighborhood
  • Property damage arising from abuse, retaliation, or neglect; property damage from police raids
  • Fire resulting from manufacturing or growing operations. Civil penalties, including temporary closure of the property -- or even property seizure. Loss of rent during the eviction and repair periods
  • Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants. Increased resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers
  • The loss of other valued tenants
Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Benefits:
  • A stable, more satisfied tenant base. Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management
  • Lower maintenance and repair costs. Increased property values
  • Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, and managers

Crime Free Lease Addendum

This addendum to the lease cites specific actions that will be taken by management if a resident, or somebody under the resident's control, is involved in illegal or dangerous activity on or near the rental property. It was developed to give reasonable notice to prospective residents about activities or behaviors that will not be tolerated and can be a cause for immediate eviction.

Use of the Crime Free Lease Addendum was expanded with the revision of State Statute 33-1368 in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Community Resources Unit

The Community Resource Unit provides "calls for service" logs to the Crime Free properties to help communities track trends in their area. If a report is needed for eviction purposes, and your certification as a CFMH Property is current, these reports are provided free of charge.
 
For more information, please contact (480) 474-5442 or email.