Although landlords are ultimately responsible for keeping their property safe and secure it is in both the landlord and the tenants interests to work together to protect the property from break-ins. Now that Covid restrictions have eased, tenants may be leaving the property empty and vulnerable to break in.  Below are some tips to reduce your risk of break-in.

In the UK, burglary following a break-in is one of the most common crimes committed and there are significant spikes in both summer and winter.  Not surprisingly during the pandemic when more people were at home during lockdowns, there was a significant reduction but before that the general trend for break-ins was upwards.

Break-ins occur where someone either attempts entry or force entry into a building illegally. It is a traumatic experience for victims and it can take months to feel safe in their own homes again. In addition the damage can be equally devastating, not just the damage from gaining entry – smashed windows, forced doors etc – but also the damage done whilst in the property which can include ripping radiators off walls, water damage, smashing furniture, doors and fixtures.

Given the severe consequences, both psychological and financial, it is worth landlords and tenants working together to do all they can to prevent this from happening in the first place

Best ways to prevent a break-in

Rented properties are more vulnerable than owner-occupied properties due to a higher turnover of occupants, in general. There is nothing to stop tenants duplicating keys so the more tenants, the higher the potential risk.

Smart security solutions are popular but can be expensive. However, many of the best break-in deterrents are just simple measures that just take a little thought. Prevention is key, making it more effort for someone to break-in and therefore have a greater risk of being caught.

What can landlords do

1. Install good quality doors and windows
Most break-ins occur through doors and windows so it is in your interests to fit secure, good quality fittings. Installing a chain and peep-hole to the front door provides and extra layer of security to tenants.

2. Install deadbolts and locks
These cannot be opened with a knife or credit card and a five-lever mortice deadlock is recommended where possible. Window locks are also strongly recommended particularly on the ground and first floor levels. If you use digital locks be sure to change the passcode regularly – and inform your tenants.

3. Install a burglar alarm
Reformed criminals report that burglars will actively avoid properties where there is a burglar alarm fitted. Make sure it is maintained and looks like it is in use. 

4. Install motion sensors
An outside sensor light automatically illuminates dark areas close to the house and inside motion sensors can detect the movement of intruders. Be sure to install the sensor light correctly so it does not annoy neighbours.

5. Cut back trees and shrubs
Keep them well maintained so they don’t provide hiding places or allow intruders to climb to upstairs windows. If the property is unoccupied for a period, don’t advertise the fact - keep the garden maintained so it appears someone is living there.

6. Create a noisy front garden
A noisy gravel drive may deter a would-be intruder as well as alerting tenants that someone is approaching the property while they are inside.  Installing a front gate can also impede an intruders escape.

7. Neighbours
Get to know the neighbours so they notice if things don’t look right. Give them contact details so they can let you know.

How can tenants help to protect from break-ins

1. Advise them to not hang keys near the front door, particularly close to any letter boxes. And just as important, make sure they don’t keep a key hidden outside in case they get locked out – criminals know where to look.

2. Encourage tenants to keep valuables out of sight – laptops, games consoles and mobiles in particular as these are easy to remove quickly.

3. Ask your tenants to pay particular attention to garden security- lock back gates, sheds and garages. If a door cannot be locked using a key, use a bulky padlock and keep the keys in the house.

4. Ask tenants to make sure that all windows and doors are locked and secured at night and when they leave the property. Government statistics have shown that 30 per cent of burglaries happen through unsecured windows.

5. Inform tenants to make sure wheelie bins are not left out as this could indicate that no-one is at home.

6. Make sure tenants know they should report any security issues to you immediately so that you can make sure they are addressed. If you fail to repair a malfunctioning lock or a broken window, and this results in a break-in, you may be held liable for negligence.

7. Make sure tenants always activate any security systems when they go out. There’s no use having a burglar alarm or motion sensors if they are not used.