Renting out a property can be a fantastic source of income, but it comes with a significant responsibility: ensuring the property is safe and secure, not just for the future tenant, but also for the sake of your investment.
Before you hand over the keys, a thorough security audit is essential. Here are the key security points every landlord must consider.
1. Physical Access Security: Doors and Windows
The first line of defense is the most crucial. Tenants often assume these basics are up to par—make sure they are.
- High-Quality Locks:
- Deadbolts are a must. Ensure all exterior doors have strong, functioning single-cylinder deadbolts (not just the lock built into the handle).
- Rekeying: Always rekey the locks between tenants. You can’t be sure who the previous tenant gave copies of the keys to. This is non-negotiable for security.
- Door and Frame Integrity:
- Check for signs of warping, rotting, or loose hinges. A sturdy door is useless if the frame is weak.
- Install strike plate reinforcing kits (long screws that go into the door frame stud) to prevent easy kick-ins.
- Window Locks:
- Verify that all windows, especially those on the ground floor or easily accessible upper floors, have secure, working latches or locks.
- Consider adding window film for an extra layer of protection against shattering.
2. Lighting and Visibility
Good lighting is a proven deterrent to intruders and helps ensure tenants feel safe walking to and from the property.
- Exterior Lighting: Ensure all entry points (front door, back door, garage) are well-lit.
- Motion Sensor Lights: Install motion-activated floodlights in the yard, near garages, and along dark pathways. They are energy-efficient and highly effective at startling potential trespassers.
- Common Areas: For multi-unit buildings, stairwells, lobbies, and laundry rooms must have bright, continuously working lighting.
3. Screening the Prospective Tenant
While not a physical security measure, tenant screening is the most important security check you can perform. The best physical security can’t compensate for a bad tenant.
- Thorough Background Checks: Conduct comprehensive checks, including criminal history and eviction records, in compliance with all local, state, and federal housing laws.
- Verify Income and Employment: Ensure the applicant has the financial stability to fulfil the lease terms, reducing the risk of unauthorised occupants or desperate situations.
- Call References: Speak to previous landlords to inquire about the applicant’s history of property maintenance and following community rules.
📝 Landlord Note: Transparency and consistency are key. Apply the same screening criteria to all applicants to avoid discrimination claims.
4. Property Maintenance and Hazards
Security also means protecting against accidental harm and liabilities.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install and test these essential safety devices according to local code. Replace batteries before the tenant moves in.
- Handrails and Walkways: Check all staircases and walkways for loose railings, uneven pavement, or trip hazards. Liability protection is a crucial part of security.
- Fire Safety: Ensure fire extinguishers (if provided) are fully charged and easily accessible, and that tenants know the evacuation route.
5. Technology and Surveillance (Optional but Recommended)
In today’s market, smart technology can be a significant security upgrade and a competitive advantage.
- Smart Locks/Keypads: Keyless entry systems allow you to easily change codes between tenants without physically rekeying. They also provide a digital log of who enters and when.
- Security Camera Systems: If you opt for common-area surveillance (e.g., parking lot, main entrance of an apartment building), ensure you inform tenants in the lease agreement and comply with all privacy laws.
- Alarm Systems: Decide whether you will provide a basic system or if the tenant is responsible for installing and monitoring one (with your permission).
The Final Security Step: The Lease Agreement
Your lease is a security document!
Clearly define the tenant’s responsibilities for maintaining security features (like reporting broken locks) and what they are prohibited from doing (e.g., changing locks without permission or subleasing without authorization).
By taking a proactive, comprehensive approach to security before you even list the property, you not only protect your investment but also offer peace of mind, making your property more attractive to high-quality, long-term tenants.