How Renters Can Secure Their Homes?

Home invasions against renters are not uncommon. Predators are everywhere, looking for a moment to hit on the most unguarded property, leaving you at risk of burglary, assault, or harassment. The break-ins spike during summer middays and winter nights. Rental properties become more vulnerable to burglary, break-ins, and theft during summer when renters are out on holiday. 

However, implementing measures to secure your property reduces this risk and makes your home safe, giving you peace of mind. We created a complete guide on smart gadgets and safety measures on how you can secure your home and keep your property safe.

Think Like a Prepetator

To secure your home, you have to think like a burglar or invader. They mostly mark off a house before they break in. Some of them are opportunistic, while some are impulsive, and they usually start either by smashing the window or by unlocking a door. 

Since Christmas is also a peak season for thieves and burglars, hide your valuables out of sight before they target your home. If you bought a new TV, gaming console, or any other huge electronic item, putting the empty box in front of your door will attract robbers. 

The most important security measure is lightning. Invaders don’t like a well-illuminated house as they set off in darkness, which is best for them to camouflage with their surroundings. Investing in outdoor lights is also a cheap and effective way to secure a home.

To Prevent Break-Ins and Burglary

Here are the safety measures you can take to make your home burglary-proof

Secure Your Doors and Windows

The reports suggest that most break-ins occur because criminals get access to the home through weak doors and windows. If you are living in a rental property that lacks high-quality and properly equipped doors with secure locks and fittings, then talk to your landlord and get them fixed. 

Doors with large glass panels allow criminals to peer inside, easily smash them, and get inside. Go for frosted window screens that are removable, easily cling to your windows. They prevent criminals from looking inside your home. Apply these screens to all windows. 

Check the Deadbolts and Locks

If you want a traditional security measure, then change your regular door locks and deadbolts with five-lever mortice deadlocks. These locks cannot be opened with a credit card or knife and are operated from inside. If you have a smart door lock system, then change the passwords after regular intervals.

While securing your home, do not overlook your garden. Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed. Add more obstacles in the front and back of your garden to prevent perpetrators from entering through loopholes. Add motion sensor trigger lights in your garden. The motion sensor lights, door, and window alarms make your front garden noisy, and that’s the thing you need to secure your home during long winter nights. 

Integrate Cameras To Prevent Intruders

CCTV cameras on your property reassure your security and are effective in preventing home invasions. The footage from CCTV cameras has also been used as proof to prosecute criminals.

However, you will require your landlord’s permission to install a wired CCTV camera. Therefore, we suggest you go for wireless, smart, and portable cameras to enhance security without going against any clause in your lease agreement.

Security Tips

Even if you are a renter, to keep your home safe, you need to follow some tips. 

• Close all of your doors and windows when going out. 
• Don’t tell anyone about how long you will be away. 
• Do not discuss it with your neighbours, friends, or announce on social media.
• Leave the radio, a few internal, and external security lights on to make it seem like somebody is still there. However, close the side and rear gates to prevent any access.
• Your security alarms should be active all the time and must activate every time you leave the house.

How to Deal With Break-ins?

There’s no single way or precaution to adopt. If you own the house then and have insurance the you should follow these steps in case of a break-in. Report immediately to the police. Focus on fixing the smashed window or broken locks. Take time-stamped photos from your security cameras to claim insurance. Contact your insurer and notify them of the incident to process your claim.
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If you are a renter, then in case of a criminal activity, it’s your responsibility to inform the landlord and repair the damage.

Conclusion

Leaving your home unsecured unfolds the risk of invasions by 10 times. The longer you are out, the vulnerable your home is. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you are not the owner; keeping your rented property safe is your responsibility. That’s why, follow the above-explained tips and invest in smart security gadgets that connect with your phone to keep an eye, even if you are not there.