Whether you’re a property owner or a renter, home security should never be an afterthought. Ensuring your rental property is protected from break-ins or unauthorized access helps safeguard not just your belongings but also your peace of mind. At Lubbock Lock and Key, your safety and comfort are our top priority. With a few proactive steps and the proper professional support, both landlords and tenants can feel secure. Here are six essential safety and security tips for property owners and renters.
Key Security
Collecting the Keys
Landlords should always collect all keys from tenants when a lease ends. Be sure not to rely solely on verbal confirmation; instead, obtain the keys in person. This includes not only front door keys but also those for garages, storage units, and mailboxes.
Rekeying the Locks
Even if all keys are returned, there’s no guarantee duplicates weren’t made. That’s why rekeying is crucial. After a tenant moves out, landlords should always rekey the locks to prevent unauthorized access. Professional Locksmiths at Lubbock Lock and Key can provide fast and affordable rekeying services to keep your property safe.
Keyless Entry Smart Locks
For a modern solution, consider smart locks with customizable access codes. These eliminate the need for physical keys altogether. After a tenant leaves, simply change the code. It’s a hassle-free, secure way to manage access. Our team offers lock installations for smart locks specifically designed for rental properties.
Exterior Door Security
The front and back doors are your property’s first line of defense. Upgrade basic knob locks with deadbolt locks and consider adding peepholes for extra visibility. Exterior doors should be made of solid-core wood or steel and fitted with quality padlocks, if applicable. Another common weak point of exterior doors happens during installation; The strike plate, which is the metal bracket on the jamb that the latch of the door enters to secure, is usually installed with small screws that only attach the strike plate to the thin wood of the door jamb. Adding 3-inch screws to the attachment points of your strike plate will bypass the jamb and secure the plate into the stud framing around the jamb, creating unparalleled kick-in protection. Under the Texas Property Code, exterior doors are required to have either a keyless deadbolt or another mechanical, interior lock. Property Code also dictates some way to view out of any exterior door, be it either a window or a peephole. Our team recommends and provides these products in a range of colors to suit your home. If you’re unsure what level of protection your doors provide, schedule a security consultation with a local locksmith.
Garage Door Security
Garage doors are often overlooked, but they can be a weak point in your home security. Install a slide lock or padlock on the inside track of the garage door when it’s not in use, especially if the garage is detached or accessible from the outside. This simple addition creates a strong physical barrier, making forced entry significantly more difficult. While this is a great method of securing this weak point of your home security, it can add an extra layer of mindfulness and responsibility. Physical locks on motorized overhead doors can be forgotten easily when trying to make a quick exit, causing damage to your door, track, motor, and, in some extreme cases, structural damage to the framing around the door and the motor. This is why we recommend using a physical lock for extended periods of leave. Our team, and the State of Texas, views the door between your garage and home to be viewed and treated as an exterior door.
Window Locks
Windows are another common entry point for intruders. Ensure all windows, especially those on the ground floor, have functioning locks. Reinforce them with secondary locking mechanisms or window security bars for added protection. If locks are damaged or outdated, call a trusted locksmith for professional lock repairs or replacements to help secure your home. Our team also recommends using simple, window clamp locks to temporarily secure any windows with broken locks until they can be professionally repaired or replaced.
Add Adequate Lighting
Good lighting doesn’t just deter intruders, it makes tenants feel safer. Install motion-activated lights around entrances, walkways, and driveways to enhance security and safety. For landlords, this is an inexpensive improvement that adds value and boosts your property’s home safety rating. Tenants can also use portable solar lights if permanent installation isn’t possible.
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras serve as both a deterrent and a tool for gathering evidence. Property owners should consider installing visible cameras around the perimeter of the property, especially near entrances and driveways. Many modern systems are wireless and can be monitored remotely, which is ideal for both landlords and tenants.
Check Smoke and CO Detectors
Just because they don’t enter your home through doors or windows doesn’t mean that fire and carbon monoxide aren’t dangerous intruders. It is imperative that batteries in detectors be replaced once a year, and that detectors are disposed of when indicated by the disposal date indicated on the label underneath each device. Smoke detectors should be placed above the door inside of each bedroom, and within 7-9 feet of the entrance to each bedroom at the highest point of the ceiling. CO (carbon monoxide) detectors should be placed at or around 18 inches from the ground, in the center of the house at least. Our team would recommend putting CO detectors in every room with a wall neighboring your attached garage, or wherever your water heater is stored.
Smart Moves for Safer Rentals
Whether you’re handing over the keys or moving into a new place, home security is a shared responsibility. From smart locks and garage door safeguards to outdoor lighting and security cameras, these proactive measures create a safer environment for everyone.
When it comes to securing your rental property, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Lubbock Lock and Key provides reliable services, including rekeying, lock installations, lock repairs, and expert security consultations. Ready to upgrade your rental property’s security? Contact Lubbock Lock and Key today to schedule a consultation or lock service appointment.
