How To Secure Your HMO

No matter where you live, everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. However, it’s a given that securing an HMO will be much more challenging than protecting an individual property due to the high number of tenants and the difficulties associated with managing communal areas.

engineer installing cctv camera

If you manage or own an HMO, you have a duty of care to ensure your tenants are protected against any would-be intruders, and there are several different security measures you can take to help with this.

What Does The Law Say About HMO Security?

Managing an HMO is a big responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Under the Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act 2018, if your property isn’t able to be properly secured against unauthorised access, you could find yourself in breach of the rules and subject to legal action.

Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are often weak points in the overall security of a property, so it’s important to ensure that each one is fitted with a robust locking system. This might require the support of a trusted local locksmith like Astra Security Systems; we can ensure that every lock is BS 3261 compliant and implement a restricted key system that stops keys from being duplicated without permission. For more information about how a commercial locksmith can help your HMO, check out our previous article on the subject.

CCTV Systems

Visible CCTV cameras act as a clear deterrent that will make a potential intruder think twice before trespassing. Many modern CCTV camera systems also feature a live feed that can be accessed via a mobile device, allowing you to immediately keep an eye on the property – no matter where you are – if you have any concerns.

CCTV security camera on side of commercial premises Astra Security Systems

Should a crime take place, your CCTV system will prove invaluable and provide clear and visible footage that can help identify and catch the perpetrator. Not only that, but a CCTV system can also help to reduce the often hefty insurance premiums that come with managing or owning an HMO, as well as offering your tenants some peace of mind.

Burglar Alarms

Under the terms of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005, every HMO must be fitted with fire alarms on every floor of the property. While there are no such rules relating to burglar alarms, it’s a good idea to have some kind of security alarm fitted to prevent theft and alert tenants to intruders at the earliest possible moment.

External burglar alarm Astra Security Systems

There are a number of practical challenges that come with installing burglar alarms at an HMO, as the number of tenants can increase the chance of a false alarm. It’s best to work with a trusted security company, like Astra Security Solutions, to determine the best approach and identify the right intruder alarm system for the needs of your building.

Access Control Systems

In HMOs, particularly large ones, you won’t always be aware of every single person who lives there, which can make identifying trespassers challenging. An access control system will eliminate this worry, restricting entry to the building to only those who are supposed to be there.

You could also use an access control system to limit entry to certain parts of the building; for example, restricting access to some communal areas according to which floor the tenant lives on. From basic swipe cards and keypads to more complex biometric systems, there are a huge range of access control systems available.

Gates and Barriers

When coming home after a long day at work, there can be no greater inconvenience than arriving at your designated parking spot and finding someone else already parked there. If your HMO is equipped with its own parking facilities, you should install a gate or barrier to prevent this from happening. Gates and barriers can also be an invaluable tool for preventing vehicle theft and allow you complete control over which vehicles can enter your premises.

Blue metal automatic gate Astra Security Systems

If you’re based in Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford or beyond and would like the help of a trusted professional to secure your HMO, get in touch with the team at Astra Security today. With over 40 years of experience to our name, we can advise on the most suitable security measures for your HMO – contact us to discuss your needs.