Student tenants are a unique group of individuals, so it should be no surprise that they come with unique security concerns.
Handling student tenant security problems are very different to regular tenants. It is really important to be aware of the unique security problems that students could bring to the table, and how you can minimise or avoid them.
What's in this guide?
1. Lack of Security Knowledge
As a student landlord, it is really important to remind and educate your tenants about basic security. Usually, student tenants are moving out on their own for the first time and may not be aware of all the risks and issues surrounding security protocol. Teaching your tenants’ basic handling of security will not only reduce the risk of compromised security, it will protect you and your property in the long run.
On occasion, your student tenants might forget to close a window or lock a door on your rental property. Not only will this pose a huge risk for all your student tenants’ belongings inside the property and potential damage to the property, it could cause huge problems with your landlord insurance.
Educating your new student tenants about security is a must. It is recommended that on move-in day, that you show your students around the property and explain all the security measures which should take place before leaving your rental property.
Recommended: How to handle problem housemates
2. Unregulated Key Control
As a landlord, key control should be familiar.
Key control is usually put in place to deter unauthorised access to buildings and to also manage who has control of unit keys and master keys.
As with any tenant, students could lose apartment keys or compromise security by getting unauthorised spare keys cut (which could violate lease agreements). As a landlord, it is crucial to consider key management and include rules in rental agreement of how keys should be handled with your student tenants.
Landlords should also make sure that they do not compromise key control when they are acquiring new student tenants. It is always best to reach out to a locksmith so that they can help you rekey locks on some or all of the units.
Also Read: 5 quick tips for student landlords
3. Volatile Personal Relationships
Every so often landlords will have to deal with volatile relationships.
If your tenant has problems, and one party decides to lash out, there is a chance that your property and your other tenants may be caught in the crossfire.
It is crucial to pay attention to the kind of relationships your tenant has (without being nosy) because it will help give you some insight into how their acquaintances will treat your property. This will also come in handy if you are dealing with housemates. The way your student tenants treat personal relationships will be an indicator as to how they will handle issues with their housemate down the line.
