Ensuring Your Rental is Safe and Secure
This guide provides practical tips and essential steps to ensure your living environment is safe and secure.
Enhancing Personal Safety
Know Your Neighbours
Building a good relationship with your neighbours can provide extra eyes on your property and create a supportive community network.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local police, medical facilities, and a trusted neighbour’s contact information, readily accessible.
Smoke Alarms
Ensure that smoke alarms are installed and working. It’s a legal requirement in New Zealand for landlords to install smoke alarms. Test them regularly and report any malfunctions to your landlord immediately. Equally, tenants are legally responsible for ensuring smoke alarms remain installed as provided. Any breaches from either party can result in hefty fines.
Tenancy Services provides all the information you need about smoke alarms in rental properties.
Secure Locks
Check that all doors and windows have sturdy locks. Deadbolts on external doors offer extra security. Discuss any faulty locks or lack of security with your landlord.
Security Lighting
Install motion sensor lighting around the property; this is particularly useful in deterring potential intruders and improving visibility at night.
Securing the Home Against Theft
Window Security
Keep windows closed and locked when you’re not at home. Consider adding window locks if not already installed.
Door Security
Ensure external doors are solid and fit tightly in their frames. A peephole or security chain can add an extra layer of safety.
Alarm Systems
Discuss installing an alarm system with your landlord if one is not already in place. Some insurance policies may offer discounts for properties with security systems.
Valuable Items
Avoid keeping large amounts of cash or expensive items in easily visible places. Consider a safe for storing valuable documents and small items.
Curtains and Blinds
Keep them closed in the evenings to prevent people from seeing inside.
Preparing for Emergencies
Emergency Plan
Have an emergency plan for different scenarios (fire, earthquake, flooding). Ensure everyone in the household knows the plan.
Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit ready, including water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
Insurance
Ensure you have appropriate contents insurance to cover your belongings in case of theft, loss, or damage; this is separate from the landlord’s insurance, which covers the building itself.
Earthquake and Fire Safety
Secure heavy furniture to walls and ensure that heaters and cookers are stable and compliant with New Zealand safety standards.
Tenant safety and home security are crucial for a peaceful living environment. By taking proactive steps and working with your landlord, you can significantly enhance the safety and security of your rental home. Remember that open communication with your landlord about safety concerns can help ensure a safe living space.