Home security should always be your priority whether you are a tenant or a property manager. It doesn’t matter how safe you think your environment is; there are tons of home security mistakes you may be making without knowing them.
Identifying these mistakes will help you stay safe and have peace of mind in your home. In most cases, tenants don’t take their home security seriously because they assume that they will only stay on the property temporarily. Security is a big topic. It takes only a few minutes to cause damage that may last a lifetime. When your home is invaded, the memory will always haunt you. In other to prevent this, we have listed some home security mistakes that you may have no idea that you are making.
Top Home Security Mistakes You May Be Making
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Not Checking the Crime Map
Most people pack into new properties and new area without first checking the crime map to know how safe the area is. Nowadays, you don’t have to rely on the word of mouth, there are websites such as Trulia that will let you know the crime situation of the area you have in mind. Not checking the crime map before moving into a new area could be a serious mistake.
- Not Switching On Your Outdoor Lighting At Night
Your outdoor lighting does more than just to brighten the night. This light can deter a potential thief. When your light is on, a burglar will know that you are home and can see him from miles away.
If you are not home, you can automate your outdoor lighting to come on at a particular time say 7 pm. It is much better to walk up to your front door with lights on than coming home in the dark.
- Not Having a Peephole or an Intercom System
When you don’t have a peephole or camera with intercom system, there is no way you will know who is at your door before opening the door. This is indeed a grave home security mistake. You can’t just open the door to anyone that knocks on your door. You need to see the person first without the person seeing you. You need to have a camera or at least a peephole.
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Not Asking For New Keys
Every smart tenant knows that the first thing to do when you move into a new apartment/property is to change the locks. You don’t know who might have your spare keys. Any time you move into a new property, please ensure you change the locks. This will greatly eliminate the chance of prior tenants having access to your apartment.
- Not Having Blinds or Curtains
People can easily see you and know what you are doing in your home through the window when you don’t have blinds or at least curtains. In most cases, would-be burglars will like to monitor you to understand your routine; this becomes easier for them when you don’t have curtains or blinds. Make sure you get one as soon as possible if you don’t have them.
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Not Checking Your Window Locks
When was the last time you check your window locks? Statistics show that over 50% of burglars enter through the window. Make sure your windows’ locks are safe and work well. If the locks haven’t been changed in 25 years, ask your landlord or property manager to update them.
- Not Having Renter’s Insurance
Having the right insurance can save you from a lot of trouble. When you get renters insurance, you can sleep well knowing that you are covered and you will be reimbursed in case of a vandalism or burglary.
Your renter’s insurance may also cover fire damage and water damage. If you don’t have a renters insurance, you need to consider getting one as soon as possible.
