Moving into a luxury townhouse can be an exciting step toward finding your dream home. However, ensuring the safety and security of your new rental is crucial for a worry-free living experience. This comprehensive guide will discuss the essential measures you can take to protect your townhouse, from smart technology to renter’s insurance.
At Burkentine Rentals, we know how important safety is to you. That’s why we have worked hard to build safe and quiet communities. However, it can never hurt to be too cautious when living in apartments and townhomes for rent. These ideas will help you feel safer and more secure. Don’t leave your home’s security to chance. Read on to discover the expert advice that will give you peace of mind in your new luxury townhouse, and feel free to contact us for further assistance.
1. Look into Smart Home Technology
Investing in smart technology can significantly enhance the security of your luxury townhouse. For example, installing security cameras at strategic points around your property, such as the front door, back door, and garage, can help you monitor any suspicious activity. Additionally, smart locks offer keyless entry and can be controlled remotely through your smartphone, allowing you to grant temporary access to trusted individuals, like dog walkers or house cleaners, without compromising your home’s security.
Be sure the technology you choose doesn’t require you to drill holes in the walls, as this can potentially risk losing some or all of your security deposit. Instead, use renter-friendly solutions, such as removable adhesive or free-standing alarms.
2. Ensure Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work
To ensure the safety of everyone in your apartment or luxury townhouse, it is crucial to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly. This ongoing maintenance includes replacing batteries as needed and considering upgrading to interconnected alarms, alerting you to potential hazards throughout the home.
For instance, if a fire starts in the basement, interconnected alarms will sound on all levels, ensuring ample time to evacuate safely, whether in the bedrooms or the kitchen. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years, so be sure to speak with your landlord about when they were last replaced. It also isn’t a bad idea to ensure you have a working fire extinguisher in your house.
3. Upgrade Your Door Locks
Upgrading to high-quality deadbolts and door locks can significantly strengthen your home’s security. For added convenience and security, consider installing a smart lock system that allows for keyless entry and can be controlled remotely via your smartphone. This way, you can lock or unlock your doors from anywhere, giving you peace of mind knowing your luxury townhouse is secure.
Before you add additional locks, be sure to check with your rental property owner. Changing the primary lock may go against your lease, and, at minimum, your landlord will need a copy of the key in case of lockouts. You may be able to add additional security measures, such as a deadbolt, if you cannot change the primary lock.
Consider a door jammer if you can’t upgrade your lock or add a deadbolt. These jammers are bars angled between the doorknob and floor that helps stop someone from trying to enter that door.
4. Close the Curtains When Away
Closing curtains or blinds when you’re not home can help keep your valuables out of sight and deter potential burglars. For example, if you have expensive electronics or artwork visible from the street, drawing the curtains can make your home a less appealing target for would-be thieves.
It’s also important to close the curtains when leaving the house for over a day. However, it may be a good idea to set lights on a timer to make it look like your home and avoid potential thefts from the townhome you rent.
5. Reinforce Sliding Doors
Sliding doors can be vulnerable to forced entry because they are typically weaker than standard door locks. So, securing them with additional locks or dowel rods is essential. Installing shatterproof glass is another option for added protection, as it makes it more difficult for intruders to break the glass and gain entry to your luxury townhouse. However, measures this extreme probably aren’t feasible for most renters. Instead, adding a rod along the tracks to reinforce the door’s security can be a solution!
Look for rods made of wood or metal that fit within the track. Old wooden broom handles, metal pipes, and other such items are the perfect fit for this use. There are also rods sold at stores designed explicitly for rentals with sliding doors.
6. Get Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance is vital for protecting your personal belongings in case of theft or damage. When choosing a policy, consider the value of your possessions and any specific items that may require additional coverage, like expensive jewelry or artwork. By selecting a policy tailored to your needs, you can ensure adequate coverage for your luxury townhouse.
Renter’s insurance ensures your belongings, not the property itself. The property is insured by the rental property owner’s insurance policy. Instead, rental insurance can help cover the cost of your items if they are damaged in a fire, stolen, or other covered events. You may also get liability coverage, which protects you if a guest is injured or causes damage to your rental. It can help pay for medical treatment and repairs.
7. Take Caution When Leaving Windows Open
Opening windows for fresh air is essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment, but it’s crucial to lock them securely afterward. Installing window locks or sensors can improve security by alerting you if a window has been tampered with or left open accidentally.
Be sure all your windows have locks on them, whether you live in a city prone to crime or a rural area with few criminal activities. You may even want to add window security film to your windows for extra protection. Be sure to check with your landlord first before applying this film.
8. Hide Valuables in Inconspicuous Spots
Storing valuable items in a safe or hidden location within your luxury townhouse can make it more difficult for intruders to locate and steal your possessions. For example, consider using a floor safe or a disguised storage solution, like a hollowed-out book or a fake wall outlet, to keep your valuables out of sight and secure. You can also consider hiding things in empty frozen vegetable bags and placing them in the freezer or cereal boxes.
Looking for a New, More Secure Luxury Townhouse?
If you live in popular locations with criminals, finding a new apartment or townhome for rent in a safer neighborhood may be your answer. Your next home doesn’t have to be filled with fear and anxiety that you will be unsafe. Instead, choose Burkentine Rentals for pet-friendly, safe, and welcoming houses waiting for you.
Securing your luxury townhouse is essential for a worry-free living experience. By following these expert tips, you can protect your property and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe. Don’t leave your safety to chance. Take proactive steps to enhance your townhouse’s security today. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help you make your dream home as secure as possible.
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