If you are a landlord, then you will likely be aware that there are necessary steps you need to take to ensure that any tenant is safe in your property. This is not only the annual gas and electricity checks but also ensuring your property is properly secure in order to keep both your tenants and their possessions safe. If you’re unsure whether the security if your property is as good as it can be, or as is required by insurers then it would be worth calling a locksmith to come and assess it and advise you on any necessary upgrades. A locksmith will look to see if your current locks meet or exceed BS3621. If your locks don’t meet this requirement then they will definitely need upgrading.
Door Locks
For most people it can be quite difficult and confusing when looking at their locks to know if they are secure and what can be done to improve upon their security. When you are a landlord it is vital to have the best home security measures possible, not only to protect your property when it is tenanted but also keep it well protected during periods that it is vacant.
Unfortunately, there is a new technique used by burglars called lock snapping that is increasingly growing in popularity. Mainly because it is incredibly quick and easy to gain entry to a home by using this method. The type of locks that this technique works on is commonly uPVC doors but on occasion they can also be found on aluminium and wooden doors as well.
Substandard locks (below BS3621) can also have a detrimental affect on your insurance policy. Not only may some insurers refuse you insurance cover until you upgrade the locks, existing policy’s may be deemed void and any claims made may not be paid out as your current locks don’t meet their minimum requirements.
If you have checked your locks and can see that they don’t meet BS6321 then you should make it a priority to call out a local locksmith to come and upgrade your locks to meet or exceed your insurers requirements.
Window Locks
It is required for all windows on the ground floor to have locks fitted to them. Different types of windows do require different locks, so it is worth having a chat with your local locksmith to determine what locks are best for the windows in your property. In most cases the locksmith will be able to supply and fit the locks for you.
Security Advise For Tenants
It is recommended that you provide your tenants with a guide on how they can help keep your property secure, particularly for tenants that are renting a property for the first time. Some good tips to provide include:
- Reminder to lock doors at nigh or when the property is vacant
- Advise to keep keys stored out of sight and away from the doors they are for
- Ask them to consider light timers for when the property is vacant for long periods
When you are a landlord you have a lot on your plate, particularly if you have multiple property’s. So, in order for you to have peace of mind that your property is secure both when tenanted and when vacant it is one less thing to worry about.
If you need the locks on your property upgrading or you need additional security measures installing, then contact No Shut Sure Lock today – 07702 752458