Commercial Property Security Checklist for New Building Owners

Acquiring a commercial property in Memphis brings a long list of immediate priorities: lease reviews, tenant introductions, maintenance assessments, insurance updates. Security almost never makes it to the top of that list in the first week. It should.

The first 90 days of property ownership are when security vulnerabilities are highest. You do not yet know the property's history of incidents. Former employees may still have access credentials. Existing vendors may have keys, codes, or access rights that were never documented for transfer. The previous owner's security practices may have been inadequate in ways that were never disclosed.

This checklist covers the security tasks every new commercial building owner in Memphis should complete in their first 90 days.

Week 1: Access Control Audit

Your first priority is controlling who can enter the building. Rekey all exterior doors or reprogram electronic locks immediately. Do not assume the previous owner had complete records of key distribution. Change all access codes for keypads, garage doors, and alarm systems. Collect and cancel any key fobs or access cards issued to the previous owner's staff, vendors, and contractors.

Document the new access control inventory from scratch: who has keys, what those keys open, and why they need access. This documentation becomes the baseline for future audits.

Week 2: Camera and Alarm System Assessment

Existing security cameras may or may not be functional, properly positioned, or connected to a monitoring service. Walk the property and test every camera. Verify that recording is operational and that footage retention meets your needs (30 days minimum is standard for liability purposes). Check that camera coverage includes all exterior access points, parking areas, common areas, and loading docks.

For the alarm system, verify the account is transferred to your name, test all sensors and panels, confirm the monitoring center has your current emergency contacts, and update the alarm pass codes. Many property sale transitions involve a gap in alarm monitoring because the account transfer was not completed.

Weeks 2 to 4: Incident History Review

Request incident reports from the previous owner and the property management company if applicable. Look at Memphis Police Department records for the property address, which are available through a public records request. Understanding the actual incident history of a property, break-ins, trespassing, vandalism, vehicle crime, tells you where to focus your security improvements.

Properties along high-traffic corridors like Summer Avenue, Lamar Avenue, or near the edge of downtown have different risk profiles than suburban office parks in East Memphis or Germantown. Your security investments should reflect your specific location.

Month 2: Physical Security Assessment

Walk every perimeter of the property and document vulnerabilities. Look for gaps in fencing, lighting dead zones, areas of overgrown vegetation that provide concealment, unmarked service entrances, and unsecured utility access points. Check that all exterior doors are solid core with appropriate hardware. Review loading dock security, including whether the dock can be secured when not in active use.

If the property has a parking structure, give it specific attention. Parking structures are among the highest-risk areas in commercial real estate and are frequently underlit and poorly monitored.

Month 3: Security Vendor Review

Evaluate whether the existing security service contract (if any) meets your standards. Review the contract terms, the vendor's licensing and insurance, and their reporting practices. If no security services are currently in place, use your first 60 days of incident history and physical assessment to inform what level of coverage the property needs.

Not every commercial property in Memphis needs 24/7 manned security. Some properties are adequately served by a monitored alarm system, good lighting, and a weekly patrol visit. Others need nightly patrol or fixed posts. The right answer depends on the property's use, location, and incident history.

Our team offers security assessments for new commercial property owners across Memphis and Shelby County. Review our patrol services and coverage area to see how we work.

To schedule an assessment for your recently acquired property, call (202) 222-2225 or contact us online.