5 Top Tips Landlords
A rental property is a huge investment, and as a landlord, you have a number of responsibilities to maintain and ensure that the property is safe and secure for your tenants.
We’ll bet you wouldn’t leave your home unsecured, so why would you leave your rental property unguarded and risk prosecution?
Here experienced Newcastle locksmiths, NLS Security Ltd , share a few simple yet effective things you can do to ensure that your property is up to scratch and your tenants feel safe.
#1 Regularly check the doors
When it comes to securing the property, the doors are a fantastic place to start.
Wooden doors should have a BS3261 approved 5-lever mortice lock fitted. These locks are tested against drilling and other forced entry techniques and can be unlocked on both sides using a key.
Rim cylinder deadlatches (also known as nightlatches) can be used on wooden doors, too. They lock the door automatically when it closes and add an extra layer of security when a 5-lever mortice lock is installed.
Most modern UPVC and composite doors have multipoint locks. These have a cylinder with 3-5 bolts that slot directly into the door frame when the lock is engaged.
#2 Secure all window locks
The windows are a vulnerable part of any property – particularly those on the ground floor.
UPVC windows tend to come with key locks. Make sure tenants have access to the keys and remind them to lock the windows before they leave the house and go to bed.
Older windows, such as sash windows, may not have locks, so it’s worth fitting a latch or sash stop. Of course, our locksmiths in Newcastle can advise on this and will even take care of the installation for you, helping you to protect your rental against potential intruders.
#3 Don’t forget about the garage, shed, and outbuildings
Garden sheds and garages are hotspots for break-ins as people tend to house expensive tools and equipment inside them and accidentally leave them unlocked.
As a landlord, you must take the appropriate steps to secure these extra spaces. Consider fitting high-security garage locks and installing motion sensor lights to keep areas well-lit and deter criminals.
#4 Change the locks
No matter how trustworthy your previous tenant was, you can never be too sure if/how many keys they had cut.
Therefore, as a general rule of thumb, you should have the locks changed by Newcastle locksmiths at the end of the tenancy agreement.
If you wish to change the locks during the tenancy, you must give your tenant adequate notice and provide them with the new key. The last thing you want to do is leave them without access to the property.
#5 Seek advice from professional locksmiths
If the door lock gets jammed, your tenant loses their key, or window locks break, having an emergency locksmith on standby can be a real boon.
Not only can tenants relax knowing that the problem will be rectified quickly, but landlords can also be assured that the emergency work is carried out to the highest standard.
Luckily for you, our Newcastle locksmiths are UPVC door specialists and offer a 24-hour emergency call-out service, as well as lock repairs, burglary repairs, key cutting, garage locks, and more.
Contact NLS Security today
If you would like to know more about the locksmith services we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.
Either give us a call on 0191 238 6000 to speak with an expert or send an email to info@nlssecurity.co.uk , and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
