Security tips for a rented property

jd87

Me and my other half moved into a house about 3 months ago, it's the first house we've lived in (having always lived in a first floor flat until now) and one thing that's been worrying me is the issue of security. There's no burglar alarm, all the windows are really old single glazed sash windows, some with rotten frames and broken locks, and there are 3 external doors (front door, side door and back door) all of which just have simple locks in wooden frames.

It's not a very rough area and of course we have insurance, but I can't help feel the house is totally unprotected. We rent so getting new doors/windows or complicated alarm systems using lots of wiring isn't an option. Also I can't spend much money. What things can I do to make the house a bit more secure?

One idea I've had is fitting a bolt on the back door (the side door has one already). I can probably get permission from the landlord for such a small thing and it won't cost much. Any other ideas like this?

Norman_Castle

Sash window locks or screw little opened windows shut. Remember to leave a fire escape route. Ask the landlord about bolts on the top and bottom of doors and a decent lock on the exit door. Reinforcing frames with screws can be very cheap and effective.

http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/home/466/home-security/

gmgmgm

What specifically are you worried about? I don't mean to sound flippant, but even if you had a drawbridge and moat, let alone bars on the windows, a determined burglar will still get in. Rotten frames (apart from being a sign of poor maintenance) won't make it significantly easier for a determined burglar.

Make sure you're not advertising valuables things inside, leave doors & windows shut, and keep the insurance up to date... there isn't much else you can do to prevent burglaries from happening.

iammumtoone

Most burglars are opportunists, if you have locked your doors and have closed the windows they will move onto someone who hasn't. It is rare for a burglar to actually 'break' in, they generally walk in through an unlocked door or open window.

Putting up loads of anti-burglar devices screams I have something worth stealing.

pmartin86

A large dog called "killer" should help!

Joking aside, as mentioned, just ensuring its free from "opurtunistic" theft is the best defense. a coupld of extra bolts on the doors wouldn't go a miss as you've mentioned, and I can't see any reasonable landlord having issue with that as its their own investment being protected too. Have you brought the issue up with your landlord? Perhaps their unaware the windows are rotting and might appreciate the heads up to repair them before they become too damaged and need totaly replacing?

fluffymuffy

I find a big dog bowl by the back door, and one or two chewed toys in the flowerbed, has prevented any trouble. (I don't have a dog.)