Rental Home Security Tips You Should Know About
Tenants need to feel safe in their home, and that is the landlord’s responsibility. In addition to protecting tenants, securing your rental home will also help you increase rental value and reduce the risk of theft. To help you maintain a solid relationship with your tenant and improve your own peace of mind, here are some rental home security tips to keep your property secure.
How to Know Where to Start?
The best rental home security is portable, doesn’t require any substantial changes to the home, and is easy to set up. Check your home’s doors, windows, and surroundings and consider investing in one or more of these rental home security options.
Preparing Your Home for Rent
You may need to furnish your rental home for future tenants or want to remove certain furniture pieces as per tenants’ requests. Whatever the case is, some of that furniture may be quite large and difficult to move around. Make sure that you choose the best assistance option when dealing with the move. Many moving companies offer services to safely deliver and set up your furniture without you having to do the hard work yourself.
Install a Security System
A security system in your rental home is an added advantage for tenants. It may be the difference between a tenant choosing your property over another one. The easiest way to keep your property secure is by installing a home security system. It will be an efficient deterrent to intruders and raise the alarm when there is an attempted disturbance. A wireless alarm system is cost-efficient and exceptionally easy to set up. You can install most wireless alarm systems without hiring professional assistance. Security systems can use motion sensors to detect movement and sound an alarm. When you have new tenants, make sure that you fully inform them about the security system so that they use it efficiently. You should also consider installing surveillance cameras around the property for maximum security.
Set Up Security Cameras
Security cameras at the front and back of your rental home can let you and the tenants know who is at the door without compromising security. You can even connect cameras to smartphones and get alerts if someone is attempting to access your home. Security cameras have become more affordable, easier to install, and can give you added safety. You can use the cameras in the entranceway, staircases, and back of the property. Even if they are not active, they can deter intruders from attempting anything.
Caption: Installing safety cameras outside your property is vital.
Alt-tag: A safety camera with a person’s reflection on it.
Take a look at what cameras can do for your rental home:
- Alert your tenants when there is activity around the property
- Show tenants who is at the door
- Record break-in attempts
- Deter intruders from attempting a break-in
Secure the Doors on Your Rental Home
Making sure all doors on your rental property are adequately secured is vital. Consider the following:
- Door Materials—For rental home security, all doors should be made of solid, durable materials, such as wood or steel. Doors with any type of glass are too easy to break and more accessible for burglars.
- Deadbolt Locks—This will make it even safer and more challenging to break in.
- Chain Locks—Your tenants will be able to crack open the door and still have protection.
- Peepholes—A no-brainer for any main door, allowing tenants to see who is outside without opening the door.
- Intercom System: An intercom will allow the tenants to communicate with those at the front door without letting them inside. They can check the camera and buzz in familiar visitors.
Use a Door Stop Alarm for Rental Home Security
This method is inexpensive, low-tech, but super-effective. It locks the door, and if someone insists on trying to unlock it, the alarm will alert the tenant. You can take the door stop alarm anywhere with you and use it on various doors and locks.
Caption: For added rental home security, install an inexpensive door stop alarm.
Alt-tag: A door lock safety system connected to a cellphone.
Install Window Alarms and Locks
Window alarms sense vibrations, and they are easy to install and remove. They are also affordable, so you can place them on every window. A window alarm can act as both a deterrent and an alert, as an intruder could be scared away by the noise alone. Windows typically have a mechanism that cannot be opened from the outside. It’s not a bad idea to remind tenants to close windows whenever they leave home. However, installing locks can help to deter those considering breaking in. You can also install window sensors that alert the tenants if someone has tampered with the windows. However, for most properties, window locks are a sufficient solution.
Install External Lighting
Installing external lighting for your rental home security is a must. Add exterior lights to the central and back entrance of your rental property. To add perk and cut power costs, install motion sensor lighting, so they only turn on when they detect movement. You also have an option of lights with timers so they can be set up to turn on or off at specific times. This feature is especially helpful during the night, when the home is vacant, or when your tenants are away on vacation. To add an extra layer of security, make sure your rental property has interior lighting that can be on at night. This always gives the impression that someone is home. An additional benefit of outdoor lights is that it illuminates the way, making it easier to quickly find your keys and enter your property. Go for lighting on the driveway, the alleyway, the back garden, and pretty much any outside area that can be too dark.
Caption: Motion sensor lights are a great help for rental home security.
Alt-tag: A house at night with external lights illuminating it.
Educate Your Tenants
Your rental home security features may be useless if your tenants are not familiar with them and do not know how to use them. Ensure you educate your tenants on how to protect themselves and your rental property, especially when they’re away or on vacation. Go over the security features with them, and when they leave home empty for extended periods, they should:
- Check the security system before they leave, and periodically monitor the home on their cellphones.
- Arrange for a friend or family member to pop by the property and check on it.
- Leave on a couple of interior lights to make it seem like someone is home.
- Try not to publish their trip on social media to avoid drawing attention to the vacant home.
Meta description: A landlord needs to ensure that their property and tenants are safe. Discover some rental home security tips to help safeguard your home.
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