Top 8 Home Security Tips for Renters: Safe Solutions Without Altering Property?

Are you currently leasing a property and still worried about the security of your home? Well, in most such situations, you will have to deal with some limitations that will not allow you to carry out extensive security improvements such as rekeying the locks or fortifying the doors and windows. But this does not imply that one has to settle for less. Extreme insecurity should not be a cause of concern due to the few adjustments that do not present any property-damaging alterations. In this article, you will learn useful and simple strategies to ensure that your house is well-secured without having to worry about doing any physical changes…

So, let’s get started!

Why Should Landlords Secure Their Rental Units?

Burglaries have been an ever-growing concern in the United States. Statistically, about one million burglaries are reported annually; of these, 62.8% are in the residential category, making property security an issue of paramount importance. Not all property crimes are the same, but to the residents, any such break-in may be stressful and damaging, resulting in a loss of money. 

Being a landlord, one of the duties you have is to guarantee your tenants a safe and livable place. You may not be required to purchase expensive security gadgets, yet appropriate measures to secure the property enhance the confidence and sense of safety of the residents who inhabit the property.

8 Tips on Protecting Your Rental Unit and Tenants

Here are eight ways that you can help to secure your rental units:

1. Ensure All Doors Leading Outside are Secure

Securing all primary access points in the property is very critical in ensuring the safety of the rental. Those doors should have supportable locks, deadlocks, and tough casing around the doors. Using solid materials such as metals and hardwood in making doors can help reduce instances of break-ins by robbers. This additional security at entry points adds to the overall property safety.

2. Think About Putting In Security Cameras And Alarms

Cameras and alarm systems serve two major functions: prevention and monitoring. If there are any suspicious activities, the camera will capture the intruder either at the entrance, parking, or corridors and the alarm system will inform the residents or management of the building about external intruders. For landlords, such systems will help in the minimization of losses and improve the feelings of the tenants.

3. Secure Windows and Sliding Doors

If not secured properly, windows and sliding doors can pose a potential risk. It is essential that fitting window locks and adding security bar or locks on sliding doors is essential to counter the risk of breakages. For ground-level windows or those that are easy to access, consider putting bullet-resistant glass or security films for additional safety.

4. Employ Access Control Systems

 Systems that control access into a building level or any section of the building and can include key fobs and coded entry pads, help to restrict access. Such an arrangement comes in handy in multi-tenanted buildings as it keeps outsiders away from disturbing the tenants. Such a system is user-friendly and the landlords can change access codes at very short notice, hence enhancing control and security.

5. Light Up the Place Romantic Resources: 

Entrances, parking areas or lots, walkways or access paths, stairways, and such should be sufficiently lit or illuminated to keep away intruders who prefer doing their dirty deeds in the dark. Motion-sensor lights are ideal in such places since they only glow when someone approaches them. This reassures tenants of their safety as they are alerted of any unusual movements within the premises. Adequate lighting helps the tenants in moving around the property even at night.

6. Keep the Yard Clean and Tidy 

 The same way a dog or a fence can enhance security; landscaping can also enhance security in more ways than many may think. Potential uninvaders can hide behind thick bushes or heavy foliage near the doors and windows. However, by keeping everything neat, the landlords will remove the grown barriers and enhance the view so that the tenants can see if any unusual occurrences are displayed.

7. Promote the idea of community

 Tenants who are part of a community will pay more attention to each other’s security and report any cases of breach. The landlords can do this by organizing social events from time to time, building communal areas, or even forming a WhatsApp group. Together, all these enhance a sense of community, which in turn promotes a safer atmosphere for all.

8. Create a Security Protocol

It is prudent for the landlord to define the security protocol for the tenants in case there are any emergencies. Procedures on how to secure their premises including locking of doors and windows, what to do in case they observe any suspicious persons, and whom to contact at the police station are examples of these. This is where a good protocol comes into place whereby everyone understands the provisions of safety

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing rental properties is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for tenants. While renters may face certain restrictions on making physical changes to the property, landlords, and tenants can still take simple yet effective steps to increase security. Implementing these measures not only helps prevent break-ins and theft but also fosters a sense of trust and community within the rental property. With the right approach, landlords can create a secure space without extensive modifications, benefiting both the property and those who live there.