There are several advantages to being a renter rather than a homeowner. For instance, you aren’t going to be responsible for most repairs, and you have the flexibility of being able to move without having to go through the selling process. However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. One drawback is that statistics indicate rented homes are more likely to be burglarized than homes which are occupied by their owners.
With that in mind, it makes sense to take some steps to prevent a home invasion. You might not be able to guarantee that you will never be a victim of such a crime, but you can make it less likely by taking appropriate action. Consider the tips listed below.
Check All Entry Points
Depending on the condition of your rental home, you may find that some of the entry points are vulnerable to a break-in. This could be something like a door with a weak lock, or a window which can be pushed open with just a little bit of effort. If you do find weak points around the property, speak to the landlord about what can be done to secure these areas. Also, ask the landlord about the possibility of changing the locks. Without having the locks changed, you can’t be sure who may still have a key among the list of previous residents.
Keep Up on Maintenance
You don’t want the property to look like it is vacant, so make sure to keep up with maintenance tasks such as weeding the garden and mowing the grass. Also, you may wish to use lights on a timer which will indicate activity in the home. Not only will these steps make the property less attractive for a burglar, but they will also make the home a nicer place to live.
Do Some Research
One of the best things you can do is perform a little bit of research before signing a lease. Renting a home in a low-crime area will go a long way toward limiting your risk. Even if you have already moved in, do some research to figure out what kinds of crimes are taking place in your neighborhood, and then take steps to make those crimes less likely on your property.
Use Security Equipment
For some additional peace of mind, consider adding a home security system to your rental home. If you plan to take this action, you will need to speak with the landlord to determine the process that you should use to have the alarm put in place. If you use an alarm system with 24-7 monitoring, you will be able to keep an ‘eye’ on the property at all times. There is nothing you can do to eliminate the chance of a burglary, but an alarm is another step toward reducing risk and adding to your peace of mind. This tip, along with each of the others on our list, should make living in your rental home a more enjoyable experience.
