Renters have special concerns when it comes to a rental property in terms of both their security and safety. Not only do you want to ensure you are safe, you also need to take into account your insurance needs and other issues as we’ll discuss below.
Before you do anything involving installation, ensure you have the right to do so in your lease or get written approval from the landlord.
Here are 10 tips to get you thinking about what to do to protect you and your rental unit. Below that we’ll discuss safety and security concerns that renters need to consider so you don’t forget to consider any.
- Install deadbolts: Install deadbolts on all exterior doors to make it more difficult for burglars to enter the home. This also ensures that if spare keys are floating around with previous tenants, no one will be able to get into the house.
- Use window locks: Use window locks on all windows to prevent burglars from entering the home through open windows. Seems obvious but sometimes people get a false sense of security because they think they “live in a safe neighbourhood.”
- Secure sliding doors: Secure sliding doors with a bar or other device to prevent them from being easily pried open. Patio doors are notorious entry points for thieves.
- Install a security system: Consider installing a security system that includes sensors on doors and windows and a monitoring service that can alert authorities in case of an emergency. Since you don’t own the home, you should look for a security unit that is portable and that ideally doesn’t need too much in the way of being installed so you can take it with you.
- Use smart home technology: Use smart home technology such as security cameras and smart locks to remotely monitor and control your home. These days it’s easy to find a security option that is both viewable and controllable from your mobile phone.
- Keep valuables hidden: Keep valuables hidden from view, so they don’t attract the attention of burglars. You might consider a home safe too or pay for a safety deposit box from a bank for critical items.
- Light up your home: Keep the exterior of your home well-lit at night to deter burglars. Motion detector lights can be found online. You can even find motion detector light bulbs that are simply screwed into your light socket with no wiring or installation work required.
- Get to know your neighbors: Get to know your neighbors and exchange phone numbers in case of an emergency. The more you look out for them, the more they might be willing to look out for you too.
- Keep a low profile: Don’t advertise when you’re going away on vacation by posting on social media. Wait till you get home to post holiday pics otherwise you are literally letting people know that your home is vacant.
- Check your lease: Check your lease to see if the landlord is responsible for installing and maintaining security features, such as deadbolts or security cameras. Familiarize yourself with any other clauses that may require you to have certain insurance (more on that below).
It’s also important to keep in mind that your landlord or property manager may have specific rules and regulations regarding home security, so it’s always a good idea to discuss any safety or security-related issues with them.
If possible, you might be able to get some of these items installed as part of the lease.
What home security issues are particularly relevant for renters?
- Lack of control over physical security: Renters may have less control over the physical security of their home, as they may not be able to install certain types of security devices, such as deadbolts or security cameras, without the permission of the landlord. Plus, how many former renters have a copy of the key to your rental unit? How can you tell?
- Limited ability to make changes to the property: Renters also may not be able to make certain changes to the property, such as installing a security system, without the permission of the landlord. Many newer security options are self installed and might suit you as a renter.
- Short-term living arrangements: Renters may move frequently and may not be in a home long enough to invest in expensive security measures, such as a home security system.
- Limited privacy: Renters may have limited privacy, as the landlord or property manager may have access to the home for repairs or inspections. This is where a discrete inside-the-home camera system might make sense.
- Limited responsibility for home security: Renters may have limited responsibility for home security, as the landlord may be responsible for maintaining the security of common areas and other shared spaces.
- Potential for shared living spaces: Renters may share living spaces with other renters, which can make it more difficult to secure the home and protect personal property.
- Potential for property damage: Renters may be held responsible for any damage caused to the home, which can include damage caused by a break-in.
- Potential for liability: Renters may be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur on the property, which can include injuries or damages caused by a break-in. Ensure you have the correct insurance to cover you. More on that below.
- Potential for security deposit loss: Renters may lose part or all of their security deposit if they install security measures that damage the property or if they don’t remove them when they move out. On that note, check local laws to see if landlords are even allowed to charge you for things like security deposit, cleaning deposit, etc. In some jurisdictions, it’s not something you have to agree to.
- Insurance: As mentioned above, insurance is important for renters. Your landlord’s insurance will most likely not cover your contents so you’ll need to buy this yourself. Liability insurance is also important in case something happens that you are held responsible for. If you have a dog for example and it bites someone, you could be held legally responsible and forced to pay. If someone slips and falls outside the home, it might also be you that is held liable.
Overall, renters may face unique challenges when it comes to home security, and it’s important for you to work with your landlord and property manager to find solutions that meet your security needs while also respecting the landlord’s property rights.
Ensure that you understand your local landlord and tenancy laws which not only details what is required of you the tenant but also specifies what your landlord is responsible for.