In the recent years, homeownership is in decline, as the millennials are becoming the leading generation on the housing market, and the vast majority of them do not plan to change their rental property for a home anytime soon. If you are one of them, you must see some perks of renting, one of them being the possibility to move whenever you want and having your landlord taking care of most of the things around the place.
However, one of the problems with not owning the place you are living in is that you can’t change much without your landlord’s approval. Besides the design, this also applies to security, which is a very important factor that contributes to your comfort. So, here are a few things you can do to secure your temporary home.
Set up a Security Camera
Nowadays you can find security cameras for a bargain, and they are really easy to set up. You can do that without compromising the walls of the property, too. You should position the cameras on the front and the rear of the property. This way, you will know who is ringing on your door without affecting security, and you will be able to see if someone has visited when you were not home. Also, if you can, invest in a device that can integrate with your smartphone and alert you for trespassing.
Get a Door Stop Alarm
A low-tech and cheap gadget can give you many peaceful nights. A door stop alarm can bar the entry and if someone is attempting to open the door, it can alert you to their presence. The portable device can be positioned at every entry point of the house.
Get Window Alarms
Unfortunately, some burglars are so persistent that they will move on to the window once they see the doors are inaccessible. While your landlord might not be willing to replace the windows for some expensive ultra-secure option, you can do your best to protect yourself. Window alarms are designed to sense vibrations and they can alert you and scare away the intruder. They are also very easy to install and uninstall.
Talk to Your Landlord about Security
There is a great practice in Australia where landlords and tenants cooperate to make the place safer. Coming to a mutual understanding usually includes calling a locksmith in Sydney (or other cities) to install a security system or high-level restricted key access system that requires authorization when copying the key. Follow the Aussie rule, and persuade your landlord that this benefits both the owner and the tenant.
Ask the Police for Help
You don’t have to call the local police only when something bad happens. In fact, kind officers can inspect your house, warn you about potential danger zones, and give you tips on how to deal with them. Also, they can clue you into crime trends or criminal behavior in the area.
Know your Neighbors
The first thing you need to do before you move into an apartment is to inspect the neighborhood. Some of the things you should pay attention to are the upkeep, graffiti, and the traffic. When you move in, you should get to know your neighbors. They can be very helpful and keep an eye on the apartment when you are not there. Also, some of them may be members of the neighborhood watch group, and they can tune you into potential safety problems.
Make a list of Emergency Numbers
While it is better to be safe than sorry, you never know what can go wrong. Make sure you have a list of emergency numbers (including the number of your landlord) at a visible place, and also in your smartphone (preferably on speed dial) so that you can react immediately in case of a break-in, fire, or any other incident.
Pay for Renter’s Insurance
Your landlord probably already has some type of home insurance, but renter’s insurance is useful because it protects your personal belongings inside the rented property. In addition, it also shields you from losses caused by liability claims, such as injuries that happen inside the property. Make sure to look into what the insurance covers, because most of them do not only cover burglaries, but also fire damage, vandalism, and water damage.
As you can tell, your hands, as a renter, are not completely tied when it comes to securing your temporary home. You have the right to do your best to protect yourself and your properties.
Author Bio: Cooper Klein is an entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing, based in Sydney. He’s interested in business and home decor. In order to spend more time with his family, Cooper decided to take a break, and he’s currently working from home as a blogger and a business consultant.
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