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Landlords are responsible for ensuring the security of all tenants living in their property, but if you rent your home, you’ll know that landlords can vary wildly. From the overbearing to the distant, it can sometimes be a struggle to get anything done around the house. Generally, landlords don’t invest in security hardware, so it falls to the tenant to up the ante where security is concerned.

So what can you do?

Know your neighbourhood

Before picking a house, know what you’re getting into. Walk around and check out the local neighbourhood for yourself. Graffiti and glass on the floor are just two signs that the area may have a crime problem. Looking at crime stats on Police UK can give you a good insight into an area.

We’d recommend that tenants visit the potential area and use it as if you were living there. Where’s your local corner shop? Visit at night and see how you feel. Will you be using public transport? Try out the commute to work and decide whether it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Who has access to your home?

Many people can have access to a rented home for instance, the landlord, the letting agent and even past tenants can have the keys to a property. Your landlord is required to provide you with a secure home, so feel free to ask the landlord to change the locks before you move in.

They are also required to ensure that every door and window will close properly and has a sufficient lock.

When you’re viewing a home, make sure that you look at these aspects, and if you want to move in, ask them to make the security changes before you sign any agreements.

Your landlord has a right to make appointments to inspect your home, as well as repairs and maintenance. They must give you at least 24 hours’ notice, and you have the right to deny access if you don’t want them there at that time. If your landlord or tradesman enter your property without consent, this can be considered trespassing.

Purchase contents insurance

Homeowners usually have home insurance as many mortgage providers have made it a condition of the loan, but when it comes to renters, a YouGov report shows that only 39% of people renting have some form of insurance for their possessions.

If the worst were to happen, then you’ll be glad of contents insurance.

Security products

Some home security products require hardwiring, which isn’t ideal when renting. Instead, look for battery-powered products that you can move with you to your next home.

Video Doorbell

Keep an eye on who’s at your door with a wireless video doorbell. Easy to install and take away with you, these doorbells means that any distraction burglars, or opportunistic burglars who simply see if the door’s unlocked, will be less likely to have a go, because they’ll be caught.

Take a look at the range here.

 

Security Lighting

If your home has a big garden, you may want to deter burglars with a security light. This battery-powered security light from Bulldog has no wires, and will only activate when both darkness and motion are detected.

For an all in one, this Ring Battery Spotlight Camera includes a motion-activated HD camera and spotlight, as well as a 110db siren, all integrated into one.

 

Alarm System

An alarm system means that you can arm your home against burglars with door sensors, motion detectors and sirens. Wireless kits are available, so installing them is easy, as is taking them away again for your next home.

Shop the range here.

 

Wireless CCTV Kits

CCTV might seem like a big investment, but you can get relatively inexpensive kits that are completely wireless, so moving them on to your next home is simple and easy. With motion detection, night vision, integration with your home hub or voice assistant, and the ability to view on your smartphone, you have all the benefits of a wired CCTV system.

Browse our selection of wireless CCTV kits here.

 

Letterbox Cage

While not the first thing that you think of when it comes to home security, letterbox fishing is a common tactic used by burglars. The term describes the technique of putting a rod and hook through the letterbox to steal something within reach, which is usually car keys on the hall table.

A letterbox cage not only catches your post, but it can also make this rod and hook technique more difficult to pull off. Shop the selection here.

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