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How to secure a shared space in a multiple occupancy in Portslade
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A house of multiple occupancy or HMO is a shared property, usually with 3 or more unrelated occupants. As a HMO landlord or property owner, there are a number of responsibilities to consider including specific regulations, fire safety and security. Ensuring your occupants safety and security is paramount.
When it comes to securing your HMO, implementing the right security measures is an effective way to protect both your tenants and the property. Create a safe and secure shared living environment with our handy HMO guide and multiple occupancy property checklist.
1. Understand security risks and challenges
Shared keys, communal areas and visitors are just some of the inevitable outcomes of a HMO. With multiple occupants comes more wear and tear to locks, fittings and appliances, meaning damage to your property may be more likely. You may also consider the quality of existing doors and windows where lock replacements may be necessary. Some of the more severe risks include theft, broken locks, vandalism, and compromised occupant safety. Keeping your tenants safe should be at the top of your list.
2. Assess security vulnerabilities
Who has keys? How durable are your locks? As a landlord or a property manager, it’s important to conduct a comprehensive security assessment. Consider the building layout, entry points, and any old or broken locks or fittings. A professional locksmith can provide a security survey and evaluation, helping to identify potential security vulnerabilities. During a security survey, a locksmith can evaluate your door and window locks, run tests and offer expert security advice. They can also discuss the severity of the security risks and recommend the best upgrades and repairs.
3. Install effective security measures
To combat security risks and protect your occupants, install high-security locks on all entry points, including exterior doors and common areas. Depending on your requirements, you may implement a visitor management system to monitor guest access to the property. Updating your security policy can also provide further safety for your occupants, deterring any unwanted guests. You may also consider security systems such as cameras and lighting for poorly lit areas, helping to minimise criminal activity.
4. Speak to your tenants
Communication is key. Speak to your occupants about the importance of collaboration and participation in safety protocols. Ultimately, you are working together to protect your tenants, their valuables, and the property, so collaborate in informing them with the latest information, best security practices and establish policies.
By educating your tenants on security best practices such as keeping doors locked, not sharing access codes or keys, and reporting any suspicious activity, you can work together to ensure occupant safety.
5. Utilise professional locksmith services
Enhance HMO security by working with a professional locksmith. A local locksmith can discuss specific services tailored to your needs, such as high-security lock installation, key cutting, and emergency lockout assistance. Address your security and safety requirements efficiently and effectively by contacting a local locksmith.
Multiple occupancy property checklist
- Conduct a security survey
- Consider security cameras
- Install high-quality locks at entry points
- Educate tenants on security best practices
- Visitor management system
- Clear security policies
- Professional locksmith services
- Proactively review and update security
Conclusion
Proactively safeguard your property and occupants by assessing risks and implementing secure locks, fittings and security systems. From security surveys to installation, a professional locksmith can provide the best measures to enhance and upgrade your HMO security.
With over 14 years of experience, Owen the Locksmith provides reliable, DBS checked locksmith services across East Sussex. Serving Portslade and the surrounding areas, trust Owen for expert security surveys, lock repairs, lock upgrades, window lock repairs and garage locks for multiple occupancy properties. Carrying large stocks of residential and commercial locks, as well as British standard and high-security locks, there’s no need to compromise on HMO security. Contact Owen for a no fix, no fee guarantee.