How to Secure Your Home When Renting to Tenants

Renting out your home to tenants is an effective way to generate income, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities, particularly regarding security. As a landlord, ensuring that your property is secure not only protects your investment but also helps maintain a safe living environment for your tenants. Here, we’ll explore several strategies you can use to secure your home when renting to tenants.

1. Change the Locks Before the Tenants Move In

The first and most important step in securing your rental property is changing the locks before the tenants arrive. Even if the previous tenants return the keys, there’s no guarantee that they didn’t make copies. For your peace of mind and the safety of the new tenants, it is essential to rekey or replace all the exterior locks. This simple step ensures that only authorized individuals have access to the property.

  • Rekeying vs. Replacing: Rekeying involves adjusting the internal mechanism of the lock so that the old keys no longer work. If the locks are in good condition, rekeying is a cost-effective solution. However, if the locks are outdated or worn, replacing them entirely may be necessary to ensure maximum security.

2. Install a Secure Entry System

Traditional locks are effective, but they can be vulnerable to tampering or picking. Installing a more secure entry system, such as a smart lock or keyless entry system, provides added protection. These systems offer numerous advantages:

  • Keyless Entry: A smart lock or electronic keypad eliminates the need for physical keys, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
  • Remote Monitoring: Many smart lock systems allow landlords to remotely manage access to the property. This is particularly useful in cases where you need to grant access to maintenance workers or emergency personnel without needing to be present.
  • Time-Restricted Access: Some smart locks also allow you to program time-sensitive access codes for specific individuals, such as cleaners or maintenance personnel, ensuring that your tenants and service providers are only on the premises when they’re supposed to be.

3. Use Quality, Durable Locks

When choosing locks for your rental property, don’t settle for anything less than high-quality, durable options. A secure lock system is the first line of defense against intruders. Invest in deadbolt locks, which are more secure than standard latch locks, and choose those with reinforced strike plates that make it harder to break into the property.

  • High-Security Locks: Some lock systems offer features that resist tampering, such as pick-resistant pins, reinforced locking mechanisms, and hardened steel materials that make them difficult to break. Choosing a high-security lock will enhance the overall security of your home.

4. Install a Home Security System

One of the most effective ways to secure your home is by installing a home security system. Whether you opt for a traditional wired system or a modern wireless setup, security systems offer a range of benefits that can deter potential burglars and provide peace of mind to both you and your tenants.

  • Monitored Systems: A monitored security system provides 24/7 surveillance and immediate alerts to authorities in case of a break-in, ensuring a swift response if something goes wrong.
  • Cameras and Motion Sensors: Installing security cameras at entry points, along with motion detectors, can alert you to suspicious activity. In addition, visible security cameras often deter criminals from attempting to break into your property in the first place.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: While these are not directly related to security, ensuring that your rental property has functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help prevent dangerous situations for your tenants.

5. Screen Your Tenants Thoroughly

Before renting out your property, conduct a thorough background check and screening process for potential tenants. By assessing their criminal history, employment status, and rental history, you can reduce the risk of renting to individuals who may pose a security risk. Trustworthy tenants are more likely to respect your property and the safety of their neighbors.

  • Background Checks: Criminal background checks can help you identify any potential security risks. Additionally, contacting previous landlords and checking credit scores can provide insight into the tenant’s reliability and responsibility.
  • Tenant References: Ask for references from previous landlords or personal references who can vouch for the tenant’s character and history of respecting property.

6. Ensure Proper Lighting Around Entry Points

Proper lighting is a simple yet effective way to enhance the security of your rental property. A well-lit property is less inviting for intruders, who often seek areas that are dark and secluded to break in without being seen. Consider the following options:

  • Motion Sensor Lights: Installing motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home, particularly near doors and windows, can deter potential intruders by alerting you to movement around the property.
  • Floodlights: For larger areas, floodlights can provide strong illumination and deter criminals who prefer to operate in the dark. Ensure that the lights are strategically placed to cover the entire exterior of the property.

7. Secure Windows and Sliding Doors

Many burglaries occur through unlocked windows or easily accessible sliding glass doors. Make sure that all windows are equipped with strong, lockable latches, and consider installing security bars on windows, especially in areas where break-ins are more likely to occur.

  • Reinforced Glass: If possible, invest in tempered or laminated glass, which is more difficult to break than regular glass. This adds an extra layer of protection against break-ins.
  • Security Bars: While they can affect the appearance of the property, security bars offer an effective way to secure windows and sliding doors. They should be installed in a way that allows tenants to open them from the inside in case of an emergency.

8. Provide Your Tenants with Security Information

Your tenants are your first line of defense when it comes to home security, so it’s essential to provide them with clear instructions on how to maintain the safety of the property. Create a guide or checklist that covers the following:

  • Locking Doors and Windows: Remind tenants to always lock doors and windows when they leave the property, even for short periods.
  • Using the Security System: If you’ve installed a security system, ensure that tenants are familiar with how to use it properly. Provide them with codes and instructions, and encourage them to activate it whenever they’re away from the property.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Provide tenants with emergency contact numbers for the local police, fire department, and your property management team, if applicable.

9. Regular Property Inspections

Regular property inspections are an essential part of maintaining security. Schedule inspections to ensure that the locks, windows, and doors are still in good condition. This also gives you the opportunity to check for any signs of tampering or damage to the property that might suggest an attempt at a break-in.

  • Inspection Checklist: Use a checklist to examine all entry points, including doors, windows, and garage doors. Look for any wear or signs of forced entry and address them promptly.

10. Conclusion

Securing a rental property involves more than just protecting the physical structure; it’s about ensuring the safety and peace of mind of both you and your tenants. By changing the locks, installing a home security system, and taking preventive measures such as thorough tenant screening and proper lighting, you can create a secure environment that minimizes the risk of burglary. Ultimately, the more secure your rental property is, the more likely your tenants will feel safe and stay long-term.

Previous post Understanding the Ethics of CCTV Surveillance
Next post How Home Locksmiths Can Help Landlords Secure Properties