5 Ways to Keep Your Rental Property Secure

Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to keep your tenants safe from potential threats, which may mean improving the security level of your property. Here are five things you can do to make your rental property safer. 

1. Good Lighting:

Lighting is one of the simplest ways to ward off threats. Proper lighting should be installed on the inside and outside of your property. To be more specific: 

• Indoor lights - You need to make sure all hallways and stairwells are brightly lit at all times. These lights should stay on 24/7 and the bulbs should be replaced immediately once they burn out. 
• Outdoor lights - Are the front and back sides of your property lit up? If not, make sure to install lighting in both locations. The choice to have your lighting be motion activated or stay on all the time is up to you. Consider using both to see which one you prefer. You can even do a mix of both by, for example, use a front porch light that stays on all the time and a motion activated light in the driveway. 

2. Door Locks:

An effective way to keep tenants safe is to put locks on all entry and exit doors. In addition to using standard locks, consider using deadbolts. This will make it significantly harder for criminals to break in. You should also choose doors made of a solid, heavy-duty material like wood or steel. Avoid using glass doors or those made from materials that are easily broken.

For added security and peace of mind, install chain locks on the doors as these will allow the tenants to crack open the door while being secured by the chain. Peepholes are a great feature you should consider too as they allow tenants to see who is outside without opening the door.

3. Window Locks and Sensors:

Doors aren’t the only access points criminals can use to enter a property. Make sure all windows are secure by installing locks on them. Even if the window is on the third floor, it’s critical their locks are functional so no one can get in via the fire escape.

You should also consider using motion sensors on all windows. Window sensors will help your tenants feel at ease and alert you as well as the authorities when a problem is detected.

4. Video Surveillance:

An easy way to monitor the comings and goings of your property is to install security cameras. Cameras can be placed in the front and back entrances, in common areas, hallways, and anywhere else you feel necessary. Obviously, cameras cannot be placed in tenants’ apartments. Cameras will give your tenants peace of mind and it can help authorities catch a culprit if a crime occurs on your property.

5. Security System: 

One of the more effective ways to keep your rental property secure is to install a security system. With automation options and smartphone connection capabilities, you’ll have the controls for the system at your fingertips, which comes in handy if something happens in the middle of the night. 

Are you ready to take the security of your rental property to the next level? Speak to the security professionals at Hawkeye Communication today. We specialize in providing top-quality security, automation, and alarm systems for property owners. If you’re located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, or a surrounding area, contact us today to discuss your personalized security needs.