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Rental Property Security Measures: A Basic Guide to Safe Living
2026.05.21
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When living in a rental property, one of the main concerns is security. In recent years, more people consider features such as TV monitor intercom systems and auto-lock entrances to be essential conditions when choosing a property.
In this column, we focus on crime prevention measures and introduce practical steps that can be implemented even in rental properties.
Security Starts with Awareness
The foundation of crime prevention is not simply purchasing security devices, but eliminating opportunities that make you an easy target. Before introducing specific security products, let’s look at measures you can implement immediately without any special equipment. These are the basics of home security, so if there are areas you have not addressed yet, take action right away.
Always Lock the Door, Even for Short Outings
Home security measures are primarily aimed at preventing burglary. Detached houses are particularly vulnerable, and even in apartments and condominiums, lower floors tend to be more frequently targeted.
Make it a rule to lock your doors even if you are leaving for just a few minutes. Even if you are not targeted at that moment, it becomes dangerous if others notice habits such as “not locking the door when taking out the trash.” Since many burglaries involve entry through windows, make sure to lock not only the front door but also all windows before leaving, even if it feels inconvenient.
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Lock Your Mailbox
A mailbox that receives personal deliveries is essentially a collection of personal information. If burglars gain access to such information, it could be misused in ways beyond simply breaking into your home. If your mailbox does not have a lock, consider installing a padlock yourself.
It is common to display your name on the mailbox; however, revealing that a woman lives in the unit may increase security risks. If you choose to display a name, it is recommended to list only your family name.
Security Measures for Entrances, Windows, and Indoors
Burglars typically enter through either the front door or windows. Therefore, if the entrance is sturdy, the key is to “prevent the door from being unlocked” or “make unlocking take longer.” For windows, it is important to “make them harder to break.”
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Auxiliary Locks
Auxiliary locks are additional locks installed alongside the existing one. Increasing the number of locks makes unlocking more time-consuming, which reduces the likelihood of intrusion. Some types can be installed without tools, making them suitable for rental properties.
Thumb-Turn Covers
The thumb turn is the knob on the inside of a door used to lock and unlock it. Some burglars use a method in which they insert a metal rod through a door’s mail slot and turn the thumb turn from the inside to gain entry. Installing a thumb-turn cover prevents it from being manipulated from the outside.
Security Film
Security film is applied to window glass to make it more resistant to breaking. It delays the time required for forced entry. Since burglars aim to enter quickly to avoid being seen, simply increasing the time needed for entry serves as an effective deterrent.
Smart Locks
Smart locks allow locking and unlocking via smartphones, IC cards, or PIN codes. You can check the lock status remotely and even lock or unlock the door from a distance. They also allow you to grant temporary access to friends or family and keep a record of locking/unlocking history, including who performed the action.
Smart locks require batteries that must be replaced periodically and are typically subscription-based services. However, they offer high convenience, including optional notifications to your smartphone when the door is unlocked. If you choose an attachment-type model that works with your existing lock, it can be installed in a rental property.
In addition to the security measures introduced above, cooperation with the local community and property management company is also important. Greeting neighbors in the same building and reporting suspicious individuals to the management company are simple but effective actions. By combining security devices with everyday awareness and communication, you can create a safer and more comfortable living environment.
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