Owner’s guide to securing the holiday home

Holiday homes will often have multiple tradespeople, cleaners and gardeners coming and going from the property and if it is left vacant for extended periods of time, the home can become an easy target for thieves and vandals. While owners cannot always be there to keep an eye on their property, TIEKOM Security suggests the following tips to help provide holiday homeowners added peace of mind that their investment is safe and secure.

Regularly change the locks

Whether you have just purchased the holiday home, had a long-term tenant vacate, recently completed renovations, or changed cleaning companies, it is important to be conscious of the number of keys that may be floating about. Changing locks regularly can minimize the risk of unauthorized property access, especially as some key holders may have made extra copies for themselves and their staff.

Be careful with your keys

If you have stayed in the holiday home over the summer break, avoid closing all curtains and blinds up on departing to help make the house look more ‘lived in’, even when there is nobody there. Consider installing and scheduling timed lighting as an effective way to create a ‘lived in’ scenario by setting lamps to switch on and off throughout the night and do not forget to install outdoor sensor lights at the entrances to the property.

Make friends with the neighbours

They are going to be the eyes and ears of your property, so always introduce yourself and let them know when you are visiting. They may also appreciate you giving them your contact details in case of any emergencies or disturbances while the holiday home is being rented.

Set a few rules

Inform all new guests of the security measures in place at the holiday home. Having a welcome letter with a few rules will help outline security considerations such as always remembering to lock windows and doors, along with instructions on how to arm and disarm the security system.  Also, provide a departure checklist for guests to follow when they leave the holiday home.

Install an alarm system

A smart way to enhance your holiday home’s security is to install a monitored security system that can alert you if the alarm is triggered and can send a patrol car to investigate the property.

Take advantage of new technology

There are many new systems available to help holiday homeowners keep an eye on their property. Tiekom´s Security System is an ideal solution for holiday homeowners as the entire system can be easily managed through an easy-to-use smartphone app. It allows property owners to change the alarm codes remotely so they can provide a new access code for each new guest, and importantly know the status of the alarm system at any time.

Video Detectors will allow owners to remotely view the property while sensor alerts will keep them informed when someone is present.

Click here to learn more about the features and benefits of Tiekom´s Security System.