Improving Holiday Home & Rental Property Security

Burglary prevention is as equally important for holiday homeowners and landlords, as it is for one’s own personal residence.  Burglary is not just about having your contents stolen; there is also the damage that thieves can cause trying to gain access to the property.

Holiday homes are particularly vulnerable as they are often left unoccupied for extended periods of time.

Landlord Insurance cover is designed to protect you when the worst happens, but as a landlord and property owner there steps that you can take to prevent having to deal with the heartache and distress of someone illegally entering your property, and ultimately having to make a claim on your policy.  Here are some tips to prevent opportunistic burglars from targeting and gaining access to your property.

• Check window joinery and replace or repair any loose latches.
• Consider installing security stays on windows.
• Fit deadlocks / deadbolts to all external doors; especially older doors and ranch sliders which can be easier to obtain access.
• Install a burglar alarm and advertise the presence of an alarm.
• Install exterior sensor lights, or check that existing lights are working correctly
• Don’t advertise that you are away; keep the lawns mowed and the mail box clear.

Good security makes people feel safe; it also has the added benefit of retaining good and long term tenants.