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