Checklists For Better Rental Security
No matter what kind of home you have, protecting it and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. Rental security is just one of the ways that you can improve conditions in your home and protect the things that matter the most to you.
Landlords and tenants have a vested interest in maintaining a safe living environment, making rental security a joint effort. Being able to protect your home from theft, vandalism and intrusion is essential in today’s world and can only be done with the right security measures in place.
At Full Circuit Fire & Security, we understand the importance of robust security solutions tailored to rental properties. With our expertise in alarms, CCTV, and emergency lighting, we ensure peace of mind for every tenant or landlord.
In this guide, we’ll explore essential steps to enhance rental security and how to check the effectiveness of existing measures.
The Importance of Rental Security
Rental security is paramount, as it protects both lives and property. A secure rental property safeguards not only physical assets but also enhances tenant satisfaction and retention, which protects the landlord’s investment.
When tenants feel safe and comfortable in their rental property, they are more likely to stay and continue contributing to the landlord’s investment. After all, a safe and secure home is something everyone wants and this can be provided no matter whether you are buying or renting a premises in the region.
For landlords, the benefits of rental security don’t end with repeat tenants and ongoing payments as properties with comprehensive security measures often attract higher-quality tenants. As a landlord, making the investment of high-quality security systems and securing your rental premises can result in fewer vacancies and increased property value.
Rental security is essential for both tenants and landlords, offering multiple benefits to both parties and therefore needs to be carefully considered, implemented and updated to meet the required standards.
How Good Is Your Rental Security?
If you are currently living in a rental property, then you need to assess your existing security measures. This allows you to determine whether your rental security is good enough and offers the protection you need for your home and family, as well as provides insight into where additional care can be implemented.
The best way to assess rental security, as a tenant or landlord, is to conduct a thorough assessment. This can help identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement and involves a detailed inspection of the property’s perimeter, entry points, and any existing security systems.
Assessing Perimeter Rental Security
The perimeter of your property is the first line of defence for your home and occupants and therefore needs to be addressed. During this assessment, some key areas need to be considered around the barriers of your home, including:
- Fencing and Walls: Check that all fences and walls are sturdy and intact, to provide a solid barrier to your home. Consider adding trellis or anti-climb paint to deter intruders.
- Gates: Ensure gates are lockable and in good repair so they can prevent intruders. Automatic gates can offer additional security and convenience for most properties and should be considered for additional protection.
- Lighting: Outdoor lighting should cover all access points and be motion-activated to deter potential intruders, illuminating any signs of damage or intrusion immediately.
Assessing Entry Points Of Rental Properties
Past the perimeters of your rental property, the entry points are the main targets for would-be intruders and burglars. These are the easiest ways to get into the property and therefore need solid security measures at all times, to reduce the risks. The entry points that should be assessed at all properties include:
- Doors: All external doors should be solid, ideally with a deadbolt lock. For additional security, consider fitting a peephole or door chain.
- Windows: Windows should have secure locks to prevent them from being easily opened from the outside. For ground-floor windows, consider installing window bars or reinforced glass to limit damage and forced entry.
- Garage/Shed: These areas are often overlooked but can contain valuable items, making them popular targets for burglars. If they are present at your property, ensure they are locked with robust, high-quality locks.
Assessing Existing Security Systems
It is part of UK regulations for landlords to keep their rental properties safe, which can include security. Locks are a standard form of security that should be present at all premises, but there are additional security systems that may be provided by your landlord that need to be assessed to determine whether they are effective.
These security systems can include:
- Alarm Systems: Verify if an alarm system is installed, and ensure it is functional and up-to-date. Consider upgrading to a monitored system for added peace of mind, for both the landlord and tenants.
- Surveillance Cameras: Check the placement and functionality of surveillance cameras if they are present on the premises. If they are present, ensure they cover all vulnerable areas and that footage is accessible to the tenants in case of emergencies.
- Intercom Systems and Access Control: In multi-tenant buildings, intercom systems can control access and enhance security and should be implemented for additional protection.
Once you have accessed the current rental security at your premises, it will be easier to determine any changes that may be required and how they can be improved.
How To Improve Rental Security
Following an assessment of the current security measures in place at the rental property, it is time to consider implementing additional security features to enhance protection. Many of these security measures can, and should, be done by the landlord to protect their premises and attract high-quality tenants.
However, if you are already living in a rental property and want to improve the security of your family, then contact your landlord before making any changes. While many security systems can be installed without impacting the property, such as surveillance cameras, additional protection such as alarms or lighting requires additional construction and can therefore not be done without the landlord’s permission.
There are several major ways you can improve rental security for better protection of the premises and occupants, including:
Install a Comprehensive Security System
Investing in a modern security system is one of the most effective ways to secure a rental property. There are many options for complete security systems, and at Full Circuit Fire & Security we can provide comprehensive systems, including installation and maintenance.
Comprehensive security systems can offer multiple levels of protection, such as:
- 24/7 Monitoring: Continuous monitoring can alert the authorities in case of a security breach.
- Smart Home Integration: Systems can integrate with smart home technology to allow tenants to control security features via their smartphones or other devices.
- Remote Access: Tenants can monitor their property remotely, providing peace of mind even when they are away.
We can help meet all requirements for rental security systems and offer a great range to help meet all needs.
Upgrade Locks and Hardware
Locks are one of the most useful tools for security and can be easily improved. Replacing outdated locks with high-security alternatives can significantly improve security.
For additional protection or at high-grade premises, landlords can consider installing smart locks instead of traditional ones. These smart locks allow tenants to change codes easily, reducing the risk posed by lost keys and making your job easier.
Reinforce Doors and Windows
Adding security film to windows can prevent them from shattering upon impact, deterring forced entry attempts and protecting the premises at all times – including when it is not occupied.
It is also a good idea to consider reinforcing the external door frames across the property to hinder access. Likewise, adding door sensors can further increase security.
Improve Lighting and Landscaping
Well-lit properties discourage unwanted visitors, which is why security lighting is so important for all kinds of rental premises.
Motion-activated lights can startle intruders and make it difficult for them to approach unnoticed, as they illuminate at any sign of activity on the premises.
Lighting will only be effective with a clear landscape, which is why maintaining the exterior of your premises, such as trimming bushes and trees is vital. Clear landscapes eliminate potential hiding spots for trespassers and reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted.
Communication and Awareness
For ongoing protection of the premises, promote a culture where tenants promptly report any security concerns or unusual incidents as soon as possible.
Tenants should be well informed about the security protocols of the premises, including who to contact in the event of a security breach or emergency, as this allows them to play an active role in their own protection as well as that of the property.
Best Rental Security Practices For Tenants
As part of a security-conscious culture, provide ongoing support and advice to your tenants regarding rental security.
When living in a rental property, there are some simple yet highly effective security practices you can implement to have better control over your safety. These include:
- Always lock doors and windows, even when you are at home.
- Avoid sharing access codes or keys with unauthorised individuals.
- Report suspicious behaviour or unfamiliar persons on the property immediately.
- Participate in community watch programmes if available and continue to culture of security in your neighbourhood or apartment block.
Conclusion
Ensuring the security of a rental property is a collaborative effort between landlords, tenants, and security professionals. By investing in comprehensive security solutions and fostering a community of awareness and vigilance, you can significantly reduce risks and enhance the quality of life for your tenants.
At Full Circuit Fire & Security, we offer a range of security systems, as well as maintenance services, to help protect all kinds of properties across the North West. We can help you improve rental security and make sure all premises are safe.
Contact Us Today
For expert advice and cutting-edge security systems, contact us today. Let’s work together to create safer, more secure rental properties for everyone.
