Security
Landlords must ensure that the properties you rent are safe, and this includes some level of protection from unwanted entry.
The HMO licensing standards (for properties over 5 bedrooms) and the Unipol code both contain some security requirements, but for most properties there is no specific standard. This means if you want a burglar alarm, window locks, security lights etc you must ensure these are present when you rent the property.
Even if there has been a burglary the landlord is not obliged to improve security.
However, if the security measures provided with your property are not working, or are in disrepair the landlord is obliged to fix these.
If it is urgent (an insecure door because of a burglary) your landlord should respond within 24 hours.
Contact your landlord in writing and let them know your concerns. Get in touch with LUU Advice if you have any problems.
If you want better security
If you’d like additional safety features adding, like a security light or burglar alarm, unless you agreed to these before you signed your contract your landlord doesn’t have to install these. It’s always worth writing to them though and raising your concerns. If you’d like to install safety features yourself, you will need your landlord’s permission or they could charge for damages. The main question is why don’t you feel safe? If it’s because you’ve been recently burgled or you’ve had some safety issues then you could ask your landlord to fit additional safety things, like a burglar alarm or window locks. Have a chat with your landlord and explain why you’re worried.
If you don’t think the property itself is secure, you can ask the landlord to fix anything that isn’t working properly (like a broken burglar alarm or door and window locks) but they don’t have to fit any extra security things unless it was agreed on before you moved in.
You can also check to see if they are signed up to the Unipol Code of Standards here as there may be more they could be doing for safety.
Put any disrepair problems in writing to the landlord first and make it clear that you don’t think the property is secure.
Don’t fit any additional security measures yourself unless you’ve already agreed it with your landlord, as they could charge you for any removal or damage caused.
Locks on bedroom doors
Landlords are not obliged to provide locks on bedroom doors and doing so can have implications for the type of tenancy. The fire service also discourages this as it makes it harder to ensure people are safe and evacuated in the event of a fire.
If you are on a joint contract, internal locks would be uncommon.
If you are on individual tenancies where you cannot choose who you live with, you may feel more comfortable with locks on your bedroom, but if this is the case you must ensure this is provided when you sign for the house.
You cannnot make the landlord add locks later, even if there are problems with housemates.