Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa August 2015 | Page 77

Just Letting

Security Considerations
when Renting a Property

S

Ensuring that your property is as safe as can be

ecurity requirements and needs are one of the
most important factors to consider when renting
a property. When accessing the security of a
rental, remember to access the security both within and
without the property.
For rentals that are part of a larger complex, it is
important to have a thorough understanding the of the
complex’s security features, such as built in railings, guard
personal and electronic access to the property. In the
case of electronic locking, remember to enquire whether
access code information is rotated and changed once
the original tenants move out.
Additional security features, such as burglar bars
and locks can be negotiated with the landlord as it will
increase the value of the property as well as possible
future rental income.
Always remember to find out what public services
are available in the immediate area. Where is the local
police station, and what is their general response. The
same goes for fire services and emergency services. Are
you near the closest hospital, or is there a long drive

Just Property Magazine

involved with a variety of obstacles (bottle necking
traffic, too many intersections).
The lighting surrounding the entire property is an
important factor to consider. Houses that are not well
lit at night provide an ideal opportunity for would be
housebreakers.The lack of effective light can make for an
easy approach or assessment of the house,
Outdoor lighting such as flood lights or motion sensor
lights can help in eliminating the risk of intruders, while
interior lighting can create the illusion of someone being
home even when and if the house is empty.
Tenants should also be aware of the placement of
all fire fighting equipment and installations, such as fire
extinguishers, hosepipes and fire systems, as well as all
fire escapes. The fire escape should be well lit, and if the
property is part of a complex, is the access to and from
the parking area effectively lit. Does the complex security
have effective procedures in the event of an emergency
and are their set guidelines on how to handle and larger
emergency.
Issue 8 2015

7