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Home security tips for tenants - the top 5 ways to protect your rental property

Did you know that rental properties are typically far less secure than those that are owned by the occupier? This can be down to numerous reasons. But the most obvious one is that rented homes can sometimes see a number of new tenants each year, meaning many people could have previously had access to the property in the past. 

With that in mind, there could be plenty of previous tenants that could have keys or simply remember the ‘weak spots’ of the property to be able to gain access to your home in next to no time. This is why prioritising the security of your rental property is essential in protecting what matters most to you.

And you may be concerned about how to secure your rental property without making any dramatic changes that your landlord may not be happy about. But there are plenty of affordable upgrades and top tips that you can follow to ensure your home security is up to scratch.

The home security experts at Yale are here to help, offering their expertise to help protect your rental property from opportunists this season and beyond. Read on to discover their handy top tips.

The door to a secure home

Our experts always advise that homeowners should start at the front of the house when it comes to a home security audit.

When starting with the front door, the advice given is to change the locks when you first move in, as you never know who may have previously had access to your home. Spare keys could have been left with their friends or family members, and may never have been returned to the landlord, so upgrading the cylinder is an essential part of protecting your home against opportunists.

If you’re in rented accommodation, you may be concerned that your landlord may not allow you to change the locks. But being such a simple task that makes no damage to the door, there should be no reason as to why you shouldn’t be allowed to replace the cylinder for the time you are living in the property. 

Keep the original door lock in a safe location, along with the keys, and then as quickly as you replaced the lock, you can change them back when you vacate the property.

We would recommend asking your landlord about this directly too, as he may be happy for you to replace the cylinder as this helps to secure his property too.

Changing the locks is a cost-effective way of keeping your front door safe and secure, and by choosing a cylinder from a trusted home security brand like Yale, you can rest assured that your door can protect you from a range of known attack methods.

Lock it up

With statistics showing that many opportunists enter the home simply through an open door or window, it may seem simple, but remembering to lock your windows and doors is an essential part of protecting your home.

Our experts would recommend not leaving your windows open overnight, or even if you’re not in the room, as this can leave you open to opportunists targeting your home and giving them free and easy access in a matter of seconds.

It is a requirement that landlords should provide windows that are in good working order, and in most properties, windows come with suitable locks and handles, so you should ensure that you have access to all the keys when you move in. 

If you’re concerned about the security of your window or door handles, we’d recommend speaking with your landlord about this sooner rather than later to ensure your home is not at risk.

Don’t be alarmed

A security system is by far one of the most effective ways of protecting your home from intruders and from being the unlucky victim of a break in. 

Similarly with changing the locks, you may think that installing a home security system in your property is against the rules of your rental agreement. And many years ago, drilling holes and fitting a security alarm may be something your landlord would have an issue with - but today, there are plenty of wireless smart alarms available that don’t cause any damage to the home.

A wireless smart alarm is a great investment for renters. These kits not only secure your rental property whilst you’re living there, but you can also quickly remove the product from your home to take to any new home in the future. This means you will always be able to ensure your home is secured with a burglar alarm from a trusted brand like Yale.

A smart alarm is perfect for busy families who are out of the house on a regular basis. A smart home alarm allows you to monitor and control your home security from anywhere at any time with a smartphone, signalling to the homeowners immediately if the alarm is triggered.

With these smart capabilities, a smart home alarm is an easy way to check in on your home from anywhere - whether that be from work, picking the kids up from school or enjoying a weekend away, so you can always stay clued up over your rental property’s security.

Lights, camera, action

Wouldn’t it be great if we could keep an eye on our home when we’re not there? Well, smart security cameras allow you to do just that. 

And although you may think most security cameras are fixed on the outside of your house, indoor security cameras also allow you to keep an eye on the goings on inside your home too.

If your landlord allows you to keep pets in your home, smart indoor security cameras are a perfect solution to keep an eye on your furry friends as you’re out, allowing you to check in on them easily via a smartphone.

For those who rent, indoor security cameras allow you to always be clued up about what’s going on around your home and can be plugged in and working in no time. With no need for drilling any sensors or cameras, these gadgets are an easy, cost-effective way of keeping your home security in check.

Safe and secure

Investing in a high security safe is another cost-effective way of keeping your valuables in check when you’re living in rented accommodation. Important documents and prized possessions can often get misplaced, particularly if you’ve just moved in, so having a safe secured in a hidden location will ensure these items are kept in the right hands.

Although it’s safer to keep a safe secured to the wall or floor of your home, this may be an issue for renters, but if hidden in a secure location, a safe can still provide significant protection if intruders were to break in.

With a range of cost-effective tips and tricks to ensure your rental property is secure, now is the perfect time to get your home security up to scratch.