Whether you own or rent your home, you need to keep it safe and secure. You want to feel safe when you're inside your dwelling and feel confident in your security when you're away from it. Renting presents its own unique set of security concerns. When you're a homeowner, you can install your own security system. If you are renting your home, you are limited to what you can change because you’re not the owner of the property. A major security system isn't something you can or would do as a renter of a home. While it may sound like you're completely at the mercy of your landlord, there are other things you can do improve your security while renting. Take your safety into your own hands. Discover how to improve the security and safety of rental homes with a few practical tips.

Before Signing the Lease

Before signing the lease, it's crucial to communicate with your landlord. Take a look at things before signing a lease. It can also be helpful to take some photos. This provides you with a solid foundation to begin discussing with the landlord any security concerns you may have regarding the property. Remember, open communication is key to addressing any issues and ensuring your peace of mind. Your landlord should be willing to listen and work with you to address any security concerns. You might also ask locals about the property or any other questions you might benefit from having answered about the area. 

Investigate the Area

If you're currently renting, this advice may be a bit late for your current home, but it’s something to keep in mind when you move in the future. Before you sign the lease and move in somewhere, thoroughly investigate the neighborhood. You can check crime information and how those living in the area rate their experience. Larger cities may have online crime statistics you can check using a map-based interface.

Walk Around

Observe the new neighborhood by taking a walk around it during the day. Take note of how you feel as you do this. Your safety and comfort in the neighborhood are paramount. Do you feel safe, or do you feel like danger is lurking everywhere? Take note of the general upkeep of the buildings and lawns in the area. If the lawns are in poor shape, this could be a red flag. If there is graffiti, this also could mean a high-crime area. Take note of how busy the street is when you’re out and about during the day. Check out the new neighborhood by taking a walk around it at night. You may want to bring someone else along with you just in case you are in a bad area. This shows you what the area is like after dark. You should also take note of how busy the street is at night after you saw what it was like in daylight.

Identify And Address Any Weak Areas

Observe your rental property with a burglar's eye, identifying potential entry points like open roof windows or thick bushes. If the rental property has an existing system or other security measures, assess their condition and report any concerns you have immediately to the landlord. Eliminate any vulnerable areas of the home that you find. For example, you might replace glass panel doors with something more sturdy and secure, like a full hardwood or metal door. You may inquire about shatterproof glass for any windows located on the ground floor, or that might otherwise be easily accessed. You could also upgrade and repair the fenceline with deterrence features. Whatever you decide is the best option to take to up your security, be sure it is in your legal jurisdiction before taking any action. 

Talk to Your Insurance Agent

To further investigate the potential for crime in the area you're looking at, talk to your insurance agent about rates in the area. The safer the neighborhood is, the lower the rates will be. If the rates are high, the more dangerous the area is in the eyes of insurance agents.

After You Move In

After you move in, talk to your landlord about regular maintenance issues that may make it harder to keep your place secure. It's important to keep an ongoing record of these discussions, including the date and times that they occurred. This will help you stay organized and in control of your living situation and overall security.

Check Outdoor Lighting

Your house should have proper and ample outdoor lighting. The more lighting you have, the more discouraging it is for potential burglars. Check the lighting and motion detectors to see if they work properly. You can check this before you move into the place. If they break after you move in, contact your landlord as soon as possible and ask them to fix the problem.

Examine the Landscaping

Landscaping can be great for burglars to hide behind. Look for any problem areas that block your view of various places of the yard. If there are trees or shrubs that are overgrown and causing a problem, ask your landlord to cut them back.

Enhancing The Security of Your Windows

To better secure your rental’s windows, consider installing locks or pins if they are not already installed. This proactive step can significantly enhance the safety of your property. Shatterproof or laminated glass can improve vulnerable windows, and window films can provide additional protection. If the rental features sliding glass doors, secure the door with a sturdy bar or rod to prevent entry. Incorporating window sensors into the property's current security system may also be a wise investment for both your safety and ultimate peace of mind. 

Invest in Window Coverings

To prevent people from looking in and seeing what is worth stealing in your home, your window coverings, whether they are blinds or drapes, must cover the entire window. Keep these closed whenever you're not home to avoid enticing burglars to break in when you’re absent from the premises.

Securing Your Doors

For the best defense in your rental home, the first step is to install solid, kick-resistant doors. These doors provide a strong physical barrier against potential intruders. It's advisable to steer clear of doors with windows. However, if you do have a door with a window, ensure the window is far enough away from the handle to prevent anyone from smashing the glass and opening the door. If the doors lack a peephole for viewing visitors before opening the door, consider having one installed. 

Another way to bolster the security of your rental home is to upgrade the locks to deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforce the door frames with strike plates. Smart locks are also a wise investment for rental homes, as they can be monitored and controlled remotely, significantly enhancing the property’s security. In addition, consider installing door alarms or security systems with door sensors. These can act as a deterrent to potential intruders and greatly enhance the security of any rental. 

Buy More Locks

If the home doesn't have deadbolt locks, talk to your landlord. If your landlord isn't willing to install deadbolts for you, do it yourself. Deadbolts are much harder to break through than traditional locks. If there is a deadbolt, you may want to ask the landlord to replace it since others who have lived there may still have keys that will open it. Check the locks on all of the windows as well. All of the locks should work properly. If they don't, this is also something that you can talk to your landlord about to make your home more secure.

Install a Renting-Friendly Alarm

There are different approaches that you can use when renting. There is an alarm that will go off when the window is broken. Consider alarm products that are wireless that may be good for your situation.

Get a Safe

Whether you're renting or own your home, it's a good idea to have a safe. Keep especially valuable items in your safe to hide them from burglars. If your landlord allows it, bolt the safe to the floor. That way, a thief can't just pick it up and take the entire thing.

Buy Renter's Insurance

Renter's insurance will protect your belongings and may replace them at full cost. This peace of mind can’t bring your belongings back, but it can reimburse you for any losses.

Work with a Seattle locksmith to help you find ways to make your rental home more secure so you feel at ease in your new place.

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