Security checklist
Your property will almost certainly stand empty for at least a few weeks of the year. Taking sensible security measures at the earliest opportunity will help to keep your holiday home and your goods safe, and prevent break ins. Here’s our security checklist:
- Consider changing the locks when you move in. Even if your place is brand new, you never know who has copies of your keys. It’s also a good security measure to change the locks whenever you get a new housekeeper or management service. You can do this quite easily yourself, or employ a handyman. If a complete change really isn’t an option for you, at least add an additional lock to the door.
- Check your insurance policy. Some policies require you to have certain types of locks or alarms and may state a maximum vacancy period (e.g. if your property stands empty for more than 30 days you are not covered for damage or break-ins in that period.) Check the small print and make sure you stick to what they ask to ensure that your cover is valid.
- Secure ground floor windows. If your property is a ground floor apartment or has downstairs windows that burglars could easily reach, consider fitting window bars. They’re more secure than window locks and can be decorated to blend in.
- Get a safe in your property. These can be purchased from most DIY stores, and should be set in cement inside a fitted wardrobe to be extra secure. Most handymen can do this for you, and it will give your guests peace of mind to know that their valuables are safe during their stay.
- Get someone to check in on your property. If it is going to be standing empty for a while, get a friend or cleaner to check in on it. They can make sure that there hasn’t been a break in and keep an eye out for internal problems like burst pipes. This will also deter anyone watching the property.
- Get security lights. Outdoor lights which respond to movement are fairly cheap and a good deterrent.
- Make friends with your neighbours. Make sure that your neighbours have your number and vice versa. They are best placed to keep an eye on your property and just as keen to keep away thieves as you are.
- Advise guests as to your security recommendations and ask them to be conscientious in this matter e.g. shutting all windows and locking front and back doors when leaving the property for any period of time.
