Direct Answer
Home security for rental properties in the UK is a shared responsibility between landlord and tenant, and the rules are different from owner-occupied homes. Landlords must provide basic security — adequate locks on doors and windows, and the property must be fit for habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act 2018. Tenants who want extra security like cameras or alarm systems need to navigate tenancy agreements, deposit protection rules, and privacy law.
The complication is that most tenancy agreements forbid making alterations to the property. Drilling holes for camera mounts, running cables, or fitting a permanent alarm system all count as alterations. Battery-powered stick-on cameras and video doorbells avoid this problem, which is why they are popular with tenants.
For landlords, investing in good security makes financial sense. Empty properties attract burglars, and a break-in means repair costs, lost rent, and potentially higher insurance premiums. A monitored alarm system or a few well-placed cameras can pay for themselves after one prevented burglary.
What Landlords Must Provide
Under UK law, landlords have a duty to keep the property in a safe condition. This includes:
Door locks. External doors must have adequate locks. Five-lever mortice deadlocks that meet British Standard BS 3621 are the minimum recommended. Night latches alone are not considered secure.
Window locks. Ground-floor windows and any easily accessible upper windows must have working locks. Key-operated window locks are standard.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These are mandatory. Smoke alarms must be on every floor. CO alarms are required in rooms with a solid fuel appliance.
Beyond these basics, there is no legal requirement for CCTV, burglar alarms, or smart security. However, many landlord insurance policies do require a minimum level of security, typically a five-lever mortice lock on the front door and window locks on all ground-floor windows.
What Tenants Can Do
Tenants who want better security without upsetting their landlord have several options:
Video doorbells. Stick-on models from Ring, Eufy, and Google Nest can be mounted with adhesive or a screw-in bracket that does not damage the door frame. Remove them when you move out.
Battery-powered cameras. Indoor cameras that sit on a shelf and outdoor cameras that mount with adhesive strips. No wiring needed.
Door and window alarms. Simple magnetic contact alarms that stick on and cost £10-£20 each. They make a loud noise when the door or window opens.
Security lights. Battery-powered motion sensor lights that stick to the wall. Solar-powered options are also available.
Key safe. A key safe fixed to an outside wall lets you give access to cleaners, dog walkers, or emergency contacts without sharing keys. Most can be mounted with strong adhesive rather than bolts.
Always check your tenancy agreement before installing anything. Even adhesive mounts can cause problems if they leave marks when removed. If in doubt, ask the landlord or letting agent in writing.
HMOs and Shared Houses
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) have additional security considerations. Landlords of HMOs must have a valid licence from the local council, and the property must meet specific safety standards.
For tenants in shared houses, the main security concerns are:
- Main entrance security (intercom, secure door lock)
- Bedroom door locks (for personal belongings)
- Shared areas like kitchens and hallways
Many HMO landlords now install smart locks on the main entrance with key code or fob access, which avoids the problem of lost keys and lets the landlord control access for new tenants.
Costs and Practical Tips
| Security Measure | Cost | Landlord or Tenant? |
|---|---|---|
| 5-lever mortice lock (installed) | £60-£120 | Landlord |
| Window locks (per window) | £15-£30 | Landlord |
| Video doorbell (stick-on) | £60-£200 | Tenant |
| Battery alarm system | £30-£100 | Tenant |
| Monitored alarm system (installed) | £300-£800 | Landlord |
| Smart lock (installed) | £150-£400 | Landlord |
| Key safe (adhesive mount) | £20-£50 | Tenant |
For landlords, the best return on investment is fitting five-lever mortice locks to all external doors and upgrading ground-floor window locks. These are relatively cheap, meet insurance requirements, and genuinely deter burglars.
Inventory and Deposit Considerations
When you move into a rental property, the inventory should note the security devices present. Take dated photos of the locks, alarms, and any security features. When you move out, return the property in the same condition.
If you have installed any security devices during your tenancy, remove them and fill any holes (with permission) before the check-out inspection. Failing to do so could lead to a deduction from your deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a tenant be evicted for installing security cameras without permission?
Potentially, yes. If the tenancy agreement prohibits alterations and the tenant drills holes for camera mounts without permission, the landlord could argue breach of tenancy. In practice, most cases are resolved with a request to remove the cameras and make good any damage. Always get written permission first.
Q2: Does a landlord have to provide a burglar alarm?
No. There is no legal requirement for landlords to provide burglar alarms in England, Scotland, or Wales. However, if an alarm was fitted when the tenant moved in, the landlord must keep it in working order. Check your tenancy agreement for any specific clauses about security.
Q3: Can a tenant change the locks on a rental property?
Tenants can change the locks with the landlord's permission, and they must reinstate the original locks when they leave. This is common when the property has a night latch only and the tenant wants a deadlock. Keep the original locks safe and refit them at the end of the tenancy.
Q4: What happens if a rental property is burgled?
Report the burglary to the police immediately. Contact your landlord or letting agent to report the damage. Check your contents insurance for cover (the landlord's building insurance does not cover tenants' belongings). If the burglary resulted from poor security (e.g., a faulty lock), the landlord may be liable.
Q5: Are smart locks allowed in rental properties?
Smart locks are increasing in popularity for rental properties, especially HMOs and holiday lets. Some landlords welcome them because they eliminate lost-key issues. Others prefer traditional locks. If you want a smart lock, offer to pay for it and have it professionally installed, with the agreement that it stays when you leave.
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Article by Gary Pearce — Need help? Call 07830 638 337 or visit our services page