Security & Locks – Buy to Let Renovation & HMO Projects

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Security:

Renovating a buy-to-let
property can be a great way for landlords to increase the rental income on
their property, or to turn a profit from a recent property purchase. Updating
kitchens and bathrooms or redecorating throughout makes a place much more attractive
to prospective tenants. For older, larger properties, renovations may include
completely overhauling heating, hot water systems and windows, or converting it
to flats to become an HMO (home of multiple occupancy).

A renovation project is
also an opportunity to upgrade a property’s security, sometimes something that
landlords overlook. How can landlords ensure the safety of their tenants and
their property after a renovation project? And what protections are they
legally obliged to deliver?

Let’s take a look at the
options with research undertaken by the home security experts at Locksmith Nottingham.

1. How the Type of Renovation Project Determines the Kind
of Locks You Choose

When renovating any
rented accommodation, it’s worth considering the type of property. As a
property owner, you could rent out properties such as flats, houses, holiday
homes, Airbnb rentals, and HMOs. Because of this, the type of lock that you
will need will vary.

Modern flats and homes
are most likely to have locks that rely on the use of a cylinder. If you rent a
property in a high-risk area or want to offer tenants additional security, you
may want to consider anti-snap locks, like those made by Ultion. These cannot be
snapped easily by burglars (making forced entry much more difficult).

Holiday homes and Airbnb
rentals may benefit from smart or keypad locks. Smart/keypad locks allow you to
change access codes easily, preventing people who have already used the property
from reentering.

2. Main Access Security and Front Doors

The next step when
renovating a property is to consider which type of security lock you will use
on your front door. You could use a standard five-lever mortice lock, but you
could save money on insurance premiums and improve security by choosing one
that conforms to BS3621 standards.

There are even smart
lock options here, which may encourage prospective tenants to pay a premium
rents.

3. Other Doors and Access

Considerations for HMO
properties differ. Not only do you have to provide adequate security for each
dwelling, but you must also provide a method for people to gain access to
common areas of the building, such as the main door to hallways. Front door
access can either by via a standard key operated lock, or a keypad lock where
residents have to enter a code. If you rent multiple holiday units that share
common areas, you may want to adopt a similar set up.

4. Window Security and Locking Systems

Criminals don’t always
enter a property through the front door, the windows can often be a week point.
That’s why it’s so important to have great window locks in place, not only to
protect your tenants but to prevent costly criminal damage to accommodation.

The best window locks
are those that snap shut as soon as you close the windows. These are common on
casement windows (that rely on a hinge to open). There are other windows
security systems that you might want to consider, including those that prevent
windows from being opened wide enough to allow a burglar to get in.

5. Fire Safety Law and Locks in Homes of Multiple
Occupancy

The law on HMOs has
changed recently, in October 2018, with minimum room sizes introduced for
sleeping areas. Parts of the property like kitchens and hallways that are
classed as common areas are subject to stringent fire safety regulations, the
responsibility for them falls to the landlord. Kitchens and hallways are,
therefore, subject to the same fire safety rules that govern shared internal
spaces according to The Housing Act, 2004.

Landlords are
responsible for ensuring that all escape routes are clearly marked, that there
are fireproof doors, fire protection, and warning systems and fire
extinguishing facilities, like fire blankets and fire extinguishers, in shared
locations. In these situations, landlords will need to provide a method for
tenants to gain access to shared areas, that complies with fire safety as well
as tenant/property security.

Managing shared area
security can be tricky, depending on where the area is and whether it has
external access points. You may want to consult with a professional locksmith
and fire safety expert as part of any major work to an HMO property.

6. Managing Locks Once Renovations Are Complete and
Tenants are in Place

Once renovations are
complete and tenants are in place, it’s important to have a plan for managing
locks. Ideally, you should have set out in the tenancy agreement the landlord
and tenant’s responsibilities regarding locks and your role, especially in
shared accommodation.

7. Conclusion

If you’re renovating a
property, it’s well worth considering your security situation, especially when
you are thinking about making changes to accommodation with shared areas.
Landlords need to make sure that they follow all regulations, while at the same
time finding lock and security solutions that meet their tenant’s needs. With
the right locks for the job, landlords can boost the security of their
accommodation, prevent burglary, improve fire safety and reduce insurance
premiums.

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