Home Security Month: FIVE top tips on improving home security
The month of October is Home Security Month, an annual awareness campaign, and to co-incide with this the NRLA is helping members to make sure that their rental properties-and tenants-are safe.
The National Home Security Month campaign has been running nationwide for seven years, and this year each week the campaign will shine the light on separate issues, such as alarm systems, making sure your property has sufficient lighting at night and door locks.
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show 64% of burglaries take place when residents are at home.
Whether your rental property is due to be empty, or you just want to know some useful tips on how to keep your property safe and secure as the nights draw in, check out our tips below and watch the video.
Remember- NRLA members can benefit from a 5% discount on most items at B & Q, thanks to the NRLA's partnership with Tradepoint, which could be used to improve the security of your property for example installing outdoor lighting.
1) Locks
Having a purpose built key safe is much more secure than the traditional key under a plant pot option. According to the organisers of National Home Security Month campaign, around 5% of burglaries take place due to an unlocked door, but it could also be worth having a think about the locking system in your property. The Master Locksmith Association recommend that the first thing that should be done when purchasing a property is to change the locks, as you have no idea how many keys may be in circulation.
2) Fit an alarm
It sounds obvious, but fitting a burglar alarm and ensuring it works gives both you and your tenants peace of mind. Not only that, but burglar alarms can also act as a visual deterrent. You could also consider installing a spy-hole.
3) Consider installing night lights
As it starts to get darker much sooner in the evening, you may also wish to consider installing night lights at the property. Make sure on inspections of the property that all the doors in the property are free from damage.
Other top tips
Some of the other tips may not be applicable to landlords, but we thought these would be useful to share anyway:
- Get smart! Your mobile phone can now be connected to your home security system- so no more wondering if you’ve set the alarm, or even who could be at the door.
- Know the property will be empty for some time? Consider setting timers on lights in the property and cancelling newspaper deliveries or asking neighbours to push any post through if the property is likely to be empty for a few weeks. This advice can be passed on to tenants once restrictions are lifted.
For more top tips on keeping your property secure, watch this video, and check out the NRLA's Property Standards and Safety eLearning course
