Safety and security are some of a tenant’s biggest worries when living in a rental property. When moving to a new area, you may feel uneasy about the safety of a neighborhood or rental home. After all, you’re unfamiliar with your neighbors, the home, and previous tenants. So, if you want to make your rental safe and secure, read along as we go over a few helpful safety tips.
Contents of This Article:
- Are Rental Properties Generally Safe?
- How to Make Your Rental Safe as a Tenant
- Working With Your Landlord to Ensure a Safe Space
- Find a Quality Property Manager Today
Are Rental Properties Generally Safe?
When living in rental housing, you don’t always have the same security you would in an owner-occupied home. After all, tenants don’t have a say in every aspect of a rental house since it’s not their property. As a result, rental properties often experience more criminal activity than owner-occupied homes.
However, landlords and tenants can prevent crime in a rental property in several ways. First and foremost, before buying or renting any property, it’s crucial to research the crime rate. Landlords should avoid buying rentals in high-crime areas, and tenants should also try to avoid these areas.
Unfortunately, you don’t always have time to find the highest-quality apartment with a complete security system in place. In that case, residential property management in Northern Virginia can help you find a rental in a high-quality area.
How to Make Your Rental Safe as a Tenant
You may have just moved into a rental home and are unsure about the neighborhood. For instance, some people move quickly with little research on an area. In that case, you could end up at a property that you don’t feel safe at. However, you can do plenty of things to make your rental safe as a tenant. So read along as we go over some tips for rental safety.
- Secure Your Doors and Windows
- Ensure Smoke Detectors Are Working
- Get Renter’s Insurance
- Invest in Portable Lighting
- Ask About Security Devices
Secure Your Doors and Windows
Locking all your doors and windows is the easiest way to make your rental safe, especially when you’re not there or at night. While most people do this already, it’s essential to double-check that your rental is locked up before you leave for work or school, go to bed, and even throughout the day.
If you want to feel safer about these entry points, there are several devices you can buy to make them even more secure. For instance, you can install window alarms, door stop alarms, or sliding glass door lock bars.
A window alarm is a small, easy-to-install device that makes a sound when a window opens. Similarly, a door stop alarm goes under your door, as the name suggests, and alerts you when a door opens. Each option is affordable and easy to install in a rental home.
Ensure Smoke Detectors Are Working
If you’re worried about safety in your rental property, it’s crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work properly. After all, even a small fire can significantly damage your property and your landlord’s rental home.
Generally, your landlord is responsible for providing smoke alarms and replacing them if they don’t work. However, check your local landlord-tenant laws to see who’s accountable for smoke detector maintenance. Regardless, ensure all alarms and smoke detectors are always in working order.
Get Renter’s Insurance
Although it won’t prevent a break-in or a natural disaster, renter’s insurance can reimburse you for losses if a burglar or disaster reaches your property. After all, renters insurance gives tenants similar protections to a homeowner’s policy without protecting the dwelling. Some of the main protections that renters insurance provides include tenant belongings, personal liability, and emergency expenses.
For instance, if your belongings are stolen or damaged, renters insurance covers it. Additionally, some renter’s insurance policies offer liability protection against injuries or damage to someone else on the premises. Finally, a renter’s insurance policy can compensate tenants for living expenses in the case of an emergency or natural disaster.
Invest in Portable Walkway Lighting
Potable walkway lighting is one way to add more lighting to your rental property. For instance, you could purchase solar-powered pathway lights and stick them in the ground near your sidewalks or driveway. This is an affordable and simple way to make a rental home safer at night. That way, motion sensor lights will turn when someone gets near them, making your rental less tempting to criminals.
While it won’t necessarily prevent a break-in, it can lower the chances of someone coming up to your door. Generally, if someone is startled by a motion light, they feel less comfortable performing a criminal act. When your lease is up, and you decide to move, you can take your lighting fixtures with you and use them at your next home.
Ask About Security Devices
Sometimes, tenants can install certain security devices inside a rental property. However, talking with your landlord or property manager is crucial before making any changes to a rental. For instance, you must get your landlord’s permission to install any cameras or electrical devices on the exterior of a property.
So, if you think adding cameras, motion sensors, or any other electrical device to the outside of your rental is necessary, ask your landlord. Here’s how you can work with your landlord or property manager to make your rental safe.
Working With Your Landlord to Ensure a Safe Space
As a tenant, it’s your right to feel safe and secure in your rental home. On the other hand, landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties are free of hazards and that all entry points are secured properly.
For instance, landlords should collect keys from tenants once they move out and ensure all doors, windows, garages, and sheds are functional and secure. Some landlords take it a step further and change the locks between tenants or invest in smart locks requiring entry codes. However, that’s not always necessary or required per landlord-tenant laws.
Depending on your local landlord-tenant laws, it may be hard to make changes to your rental property without your landlord’s permission. While you may want to install a security device or alarm system, it’s always best to check with your landlord before making any changes to the property.
If you feel strongly about improving the safety of your apartment or rental home, talk to your landlord immediately. Most likely, they’d be willing to add more security features to make you feel safe at home. If you’re a landlord, here are some ways to make your properties more secure.
Find a Quality Property Manager Today
Whether you own or live in rentals, ensuring they’re safe from crime and potential damage is important. If you’re a tenant and want to make your rental safe, talk to your landlord about potential solutions. On the other hand, if you’re a landlord and want to improve the safety of your rentals, consider adding security devices or features to help ease your tenant’s minds.
One of the best ways to stay up to date with safety measures and best practices is with a top-notch property manager. Professional Property Management In Northern Virginia has the knowledge and expertise to ensure your tenants are cared for 24/7. So, if you’re looking for high-quality rental property management, contact PPM today to learn more about our services.
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