Top Home Security Tips When Renting a Flat or Apartment

Renters have different security concerns from people living in detached or single-occupancy houses. In a block of flats, there may be shared entrances, communal hallways and frequent visits from residents, guests, delivery drivers and contractors. It is therefore important to consider both the security of your own home and the security of the wider building.

Fortunately, renters can take several practical precautions to protect themselves, their homes and their belongings.

What to Do Before Signing a Tenancy Agreement

Your security checks should begin before you sign a tenancy agreement or move into a property. Research the neighbourhood and review local crime and policing information using the Police.uk local area search. You can also speak to current residents to get a better understanding of day-to-day conditions around the building.

Visit the property at different times, including after dark. Check whether parking areas, entrances, paths, hallways, stairwells, bin stores, cycle stores, laundry rooms and post boxes are adequately lit. The Secured by Design interactive guide provides useful information about lighting, landscaping and the design of communal spaces.

A well-maintained and carefully managed property can be a positive sign, although appearance alone does not guarantee security. Look for broken lights, damaged fences, overgrown planting, unsecured bin stores and entrance doors that do not close or lock properly.

Useful security features include controlled communal entrances, working intercom or video-entry systems, properly managed key fobs, self-closing external doors, secure post boxes and robust locks on each flat entrance. Ask the landlord or letting agent how lost keys and access fobs are handled and who is responsible for reporting and repairing security faults.

Read the tenancy agreement carefully before signing it. Check whether it restricts alterations such as replacing locks, fitting alarms or attaching equipment to doors and walls. The Citizens Advice housing section provides further information about tenancy agreements, repairs and renters’ rights.

After You Move In

Ask the landlord or letting agent to confirm whether the entrance lock was changed, re-keyed or otherwise secured after the previous tenancy. You should also ask whether old keys and access fobs have been cancelled or accounted for. If you have concerns, raise them in writing and check your tenancy terms before replacing a lock or making any permanent alteration.

Report damaged locks, loose door frames, faulty intercoms, broken windows and communal doors that do not close properly. Do not make changes that could damage a fire door, prevent it from closing or obstruct an emergency escape route. For additional practical checks, consult the Police.uk flat-security guidance.

Where your tenancy agreement permits it, consider removable security devices for accessible windows and patio or sliding doors. An approved security bar or additional lock may provide extra protection, provided it does not obstruct an escape route or damage the property.

Use curtains, blinds or other suitable window coverings, particularly after dark. These should prevent people outside from getting a clear view of valuable items such as computers, televisions, jewellery, keys and personal documents.

Wireless alarms and other renter-friendly security systems can often be installed without permanent wiring. Ask for permission before drilling into walls, doors or window frames. If a system includes a camera that records a communal hallway, neighbouring property or public space, review the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance on home CCTV before installing it.

Never allow an unknown person to follow you through a secure communal entrance, and do not let someone into the building simply because they say they are visiting another resident. Make sure communal doors close and lock behind you, and report faults promptly to the landlord, managing agent or building manager.

Above all, trust your instincts and take security concerns seriously. Keep a written record of reported faults, remain aware of who has access to the building and take the same proactive approach to home security that you would take if you owned the property.

Housing and tenancy rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Check your tenancy agreement and the guidance that applies where you live before altering locks, doors, windows or security equipment.