Securing your property against break-in
Securing your property against break-ins entails using strong locks, security systems, and reinforcing entry points to deter unauthorised access
Rented properties are generally less secure than owner-occupied properties.
But it’s in both tenants’ and landlords’ interests to work together to protect the property from break-ins.
At Total Landlord, we see significant spikes in break ins during the summer and winter months, so it’s a good idea to pay particular attention to security around these times, and of course if tenants are going on holiday and leaving the property unoccupied.
Fortunately, there are quite a few things that both landlords and tenants can do to protect themselves from break-in.
Maintaining a good relationship with tenants so that you can set clear expectations and lines of communication, can help protect your property and your tenants from break-in.
The more precautions you both take to make the property unappealing to a would-be intruder, the better.
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Install good quality doors with deadbolts and locks – we recommend five-lever mortice deadlocks where possible
A chain and peephole on the front door will be a deterrent and help tenants feel more secure
A smart doorbell will detect motion and help increase security
Install window locks which can be operated from the inside
Make sure you change passwords on any digital locks between tenancies
Alarm systems that combine a sonic alarm with a visual deterrent such as flashing lights are the most effective
Use motion sensors to illuminate dark areas and detect the movement of any intruder
Keep shrubs and trees well-trimmed to deter would be intruders from hiding or using trees to gain access through upstairs windows
Create a ‘noisy’ front garden with a gravel driveway and a front gate
Get to know the neighbours - communities that work together are much more likely to be vigilant and notice anything out of the ordinary
Ask your tenants to report any security issues to you immediately so that you can fix them promptly
Talk your tenant through security measures and include them in a welcome pack, along with the tenancy agreement and inventory.
For example:
Keep valuables out of view
Make sure they lock all doors and windows
Let you know if they are going to be leaving the property empty
For more guidance on how to protect your rental property from break-ins, read our ultimate guide to securing your rental property.
