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Who is responsible for a rental property's security

Who is responsible for a rental property's security

Author: Pranil Maharaj
Date: 2018-11-23

Security is top of mind for many tenants when selecting a home.

Tenants with a choice between properties are likely to choose the one with excellent security, even if it comes at a premium. In a competitive rental market, it is clearly in the landlord's interests to make sure their property is secure and therefore more appealing to tenants. What may be less obvious is that the landlord also has a legal responsibility to do so.

The Rental Housing Act and Unfair Practices Regulations need the landlord to provide a property with both a 'reasonably fit' for the purpose for which it is being let, and habitable. Additionally, the property is the landlord's asset and, in many cases, the tenant may be contractually prohibited from making security improvements to the property.

Most landlords will accept either covering some of the cost or will allow the tenant to make upgrades on condition that the property is restored to its original condition on the termination of the lease, or that any improvements remain once the tenant vacates the property. It is in the landlord's interests to have a happy tenant who is secure.

It is important that tenants discuss this with their landlord before signing the lease, and add a clause covering the agreement to the lease. This is an important point because the tenant is liable for insuring their own goods on and in the property.

Crime is an unfortunate reality, and tenants rightly make their family's security a priority. It makes sense for landlords to provide a high level of security. A reputable and experienced agent will always advise their landlords on the benefits of fulfilling their obligations and adding security measures that will attract more tenants.