Top security tips for property landlords
While being a property landlord comes with a wealth of responsibilities, security should be at the forefront of your thinking.
The private rented sector accounted for 4.5 million households in 2017/18, and has more than doubled since 2002, according to property specialists Knight Frank. Before the coronavirus outbreak occurred, this growth trend was expected to continue in 2020.
Security is an important consideration, for both landlords and tenants. While there are no minimum security requirements for landlords at the moment, they do have a duty of care to ensure a property is basically secure and without hazards, and it is something that is valued by tenants and can therefore help to protect your rental income.
There are various ways that landlords can ensure that the property – or properties – they rent out are as secure as possible. It may require some investment, but it is more than worth it for the benefits that come from it.
Keys
After a tenant moves out, the landlord should change all of the locks on the property before new tenants move in, so any previous keyholders cannot gain entry. Also, all doors, windows and locks should be checked to ensure they are fully functional – while this is a basic requirement, it is something that can be overlooked.
Tenants should always be given a spare set of keys when they move in – that way, if they lose any keys, they don’t have to call the landlord to get back in.
If a tenant is having problems with a lock – if it is broken or sticking, for instance – then they should call the landlord as soon as possible to get it fixed. To fix the problem, landlords should call out professional locksmiths such as Inta-lock Locksmiths in Leicester to ensure the job is done properly.
Also, don’t forget that outbuildings such as sheds should also be secured with locks of a decent standard – that is something that can be easily overlooked.
Security devices
As with security in your own home, making your rental property as secure as possible makes sense. While a landlord doesn’t have responsibilities to upgrade security beyond the basic levels, having a range of security devices in place is likely to have positive effects – not only for tenant loyalty but also in terms of bringing insurance premiums down.
There are a range of additional security measures that can be easily installed, from basic equipment such as upgraded locks on doors and windows, through to more expensive items such as alarm systems or CCTV. However, should you want to upgrade locks and alarm systems it is always advisable to have them fitted by qualified and experienced professionals such as Inta-lock Locksmiths if you live in Leicester or the surrounding area.
Additional lighting such as motion-activated lights are another simple and relatively cheap but effective anti-theft device – no burglar wants to be in the light.
If tenants want to upgrade the security in the rented property themselves, they should always get permission from the landlord first, even if they pay for it.
Rental property is always an investment and good security can help to boost the rental value of a property – as well as make it more attractive to potential tenants. And, with the help of your local locksmith, you can ensure that any security measures are installed correctly, and the property is as secure as possible.