Security
LANDLORD OBLIGATION
Security standards
Below are listed some suggestions for achieving increasingly effective property security. All properties should at least meet the criteria of basic requirements for security listed, but we encourage all landlords to be proactive in attaining higher levels of security where possible.
A key issue for student housing
Protecting possessions is arguably not the prevailing aim of good property security. Simply living in a property with poor security, even if there are no incidents, has been recognised as a source of great emotional stress for some tenants.
Being able to have good, demonstrable security measures at a property is a high priority for student tenants (and their parents) when choosing a property and is something that we want our properties to do to a high standard.
Basic requirements for security
In addition to an individual assessment of the property's possible security weaknesses:
Good door locks on external and bedroom doors
Window restrictors on accessible windows
Fences in good repair
No flammable materials kept near the property
Secure bike storage (e.g. secure loops)
A good level of security
Basic requirements, plus the following:
External light/ security light
Access to rear garden secure where applicable
Door chain
Good quality door lock (e.g. euro cylinder)
(Optional) Intruder alarm
Enhanced security
Basic and Good requirements plus:
Multi-point locks on external doors
Frosted windows or equivalent where rooms can be easily seen into
Restricted access to points of entry (e.g. spiky bushes under windows)
No places offering concealed break-in opportunities
Secure, sheltered bike storage facilities, such as a lockable outbuilding
Further advice
Thames Valley Police- https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/
Secured by design- https://www.securedbydesign.com/