Home Security Tips for Landlords

Being a property owner comes with its own set of security risks. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to keep not only your property safe but even bigger onus is to ensure your tenants and their belongings are safe and secure too. This protection could be from theft, break-ins or vandalism. Here are some home security tips to keep in mind when securing your rental property.

Make it easy for your tenants

It’s important to provide your tenants or renters with all the tools they need to keep their home secure:

• Emergency contacts – Provide your tenants with a list of local emergency numbers like the police, fire department and your contact number to get in touch in case of any emergency.
• Repairs – Damaged locks on the front door, broken garage door locks or any such repair need immediate attention. Encourage your tenants to apprise you of any small or big repair job they want done around the property. It’s better to nip every problem in the bud before it becomes a bigger security threat.
• Vacations – Request your tenants to inform you if they’re going out of town, so that you can keep an eye on the property while they’re gone.
• Last but not the least, make sure you get your locks rekeyed or change the entire lockset before your tenants move in. This will make sure that people living previously on your property have no access to the locks through a spare key they have still possess. It is common for people to make duplicate keys and distribute them to their friends, relatives, babysitter or cleaning crew. The floating keys could pose a security threat to your property and having your locks rekeyed or replaced is a better way of eliminating this issue.

Secure the perimeter

When it comes to the security of your tenants and property, first get the basics right:

• Doors and Gates – Make sure all the doors and gates on your property are sturdy and well maintained.
• Secure the main door – Install a high-quality deadbolt on your entrance. Your local locksmith should be able to guide you on the kind of deadbolt lock you should install.
• Windows – Each window should have a well-functioning lock on it. You can also consider putting up security bars or security grilles on the ground floor windows for extra security. Installing sensors on your windows is another great way of making sure you know when your windows are meddled with. If a burglar try to open the windows, sensors will sound an alarm so that your tenants can take proactive measures to protect themselves.
• Intercom – If you’re renting out an apartment building, install an intercom system that lets the tenants talk to person who rang the doorbell before letting them in.

Update You Security Systems

Once you’ve installed all the security equipment around your property, it’s tempting to just let it stay for as long as it functions. But it’s crucial to keep updating your security measures:

• Change the locks – Every time your tenants change, so must the locks.
• Upgrade – The old security system might be still working but it’s time to switch over to a smart security system which will let you monitor your property from anywhere in the world and can connect to everything from your smoke detectors to light controls.

Lighting Plays a Crucial Role

Most people don’t really think about this but the lighting on a property can make a huge difference. A well-lit home from outside is a house every burglar would like to avoid. On the other hand, home with a dark exterior can become an easy target for burglars.

• Automated lights – In this day and age where everything is becoming automated, automated lights are a valuable addition to your security plan. They let you control all the lights even when you’re not home.
• Motion activated lights –Installing motion activated lights in the front and backyard can ensure that no one will even think about lurking in the shadows and be a threat.

Being a landlord is not an easy job, it’s a role that comes with a lot of stress and responsibility. But following these safety tips will help you stay on top of any potential security situation and will keep your tenants and property safe.