How to Secure Your Home As a Tenant
Renting a home definitely has its advantages, but security is usually not one of them. When you have a home, you can install any security system you want, from alarms to cameras, but when you rent, you are limited to what the landlord will allow.
However, this does not mean that the tenants are not at all lucky. If you are concerned about the safety of your rental home, you still have many options.
Get renter insurance
All tenants need insurance , period. It is very affordable – especially when compared to other types of insurance – and will save your butt in a number of catastrophic situations.
Renters’ insurance policies usually cover burglary, water damage, vandalism, and fire damage. Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may also be insured against liability if someone is injured in your home; some rules even cover theft if your car was burglarized while parked at the rental property. If you are unsure what your policy covers, ask your insurance company for clarification. They will be happy to answer your specific questions.
Know your rights
Before you drill a door or install cameras, you must know if you are allowed to do so. Modifications and improvements that are acceptable in one location may not be legal in another, and you should not rely on the landlord to know the law.
Unfortunately, this makes it your responsibility to understand basic tenant rights laws. Tenants in the United States should pay attention to state, county, and city laws for improving rental properties. It can be tricky and confusing. If you need help, your local tenant union and / or tenant advocacy group can help you navigate the laws in your area.
Protect your doors and windows
The most common burglary entry points are the front door, windows, and back door, in that order. If you want to improve security, you should start with these areas.
Start with castles
Bars are a cheap and easy way to make any door more secure, so you probably already have one. If this is the case, ask the landlord to make sure they reset the key before you move. Former tenants are unlikely to use copies of their old keys for evil, but knowing for sure that your lock has been key changed will give you peace of mind.
If your front door has no bolt, ask the landlord or property manager to fix it as soon as possible. If they refuse, you can install the bolt yourself.Ace Hardware has a niceYouTube video about a specific process:
Be sure to take a close look at the metal case screwed into the doorframe. These are so-called strike plates, and if they are poorly secured, misaligned, or otherwise poorly installed, they can become a weak point for a break in. You can make small adjustments to the strike plate position using the same techniques shown in the Ace Hardware video, but if your shape is really rough, the entire lock may need to be replaced.
Don’t neglect the hinges
Locks are the key to home security, but how your door was installed also matters. Most exterior doors have hinges on the inside because the exterior hinges are easier to disassemble for any bystander. If, for any reason, your front door hinges are outside, ask your landlord or property manager to reinstall or replace the door as soon as possible – preferably before you move in.
Be careful with windows
Good window protection depends a lot on common sense. First of all, make sure that all of your windows are indeed locked. If your home has sliding windows or doors, then inserting a strong rod into the rails is a cheap and easy way to make it safer. And don’t forget about blinds or curtains – the right window coverings keep people from seeing what you are doing.
For an extra layer of security, consider installing window alarms or glass break detectors. Window alarms are triggered when a window is opened, and glass break sensors detect – you guessed it! – broken glass. If a lot of options, start with the guidelines in 2021 from that of the old house on the door and window alarms and sensors, break glass . They are simple and relevant.
Use your smart home device for 24/7 monitoring
Home alarm systems usually require permanent hardware installation, which is a drawback for most tenants. But that is changing, largely due to the boom in smart home devices. If you are one of the millions of people who already own it, you can use it to improve the safety of your home .
First, decide if you need a professional monitoring burglar alarm system. Most security firms offer plans for smart devices, from security-focused devices (like the Ring) to Alexa or Google Nest. Typically, you will pay a monthly fee as well as upfront hardware or installation fees.
If you opt for 24/7 monitoring, opt for a self-install package so you can pack everything up and take it with you on the move. Also make sure that the terms of the contract are appropriate for your rental. Most are at least 24 months long, which discerning tenants will consider “longer than most leases.” There are many options and conditions change frequently, so do your research carefully. This DIY home security guide is a great place to start.
If professional safety seems overkill, you can buy your own hardware and set up a notification system that works according to your needs. Just make sure that any alarm clocks or cameras you buy are compatible with your specific smart home device.
Get to know your neighbors and homeowner
Technology is cool, but don’t be outdated. Talking to neighbors is like the original home security system and should still be included in your plan.
Of course, you don’t have to be best friends with everyone. But if you and your neighbors are called by name, it will be more convenient for you to tell each other when you leave town or if you see something suspicious. Most homeowners care about safety, so it can be helpful to stay in touch with yours. If something makes you feel in danger, be sure to report it in writing.
This story was originally published in August 2015. It was updated on March 15, 2021 to reflect advances in home security technology and to reflect the current Lifehacker style guidelines.