New Home Security Checklist for Renters & Buyers

Whether you're renting or buying, securing your new home should be your first priority after getting the keys. Not next month. Not when you feel settled. Day one.

Here's your complete security checklist to protect your family and property from the moment you move in.

Day 1: Immediate Actions

1. Change ALL Locks (Homeowners) or Verify Lock Status (Renters)

For Homeowners: You MUST change every single lock. The previous owner may have given keys to contractors, neighbors, real estate agents, or family members. You have no idea who has access.

For Renters: Ask your landlord in writing:

• When were locks last changed?
• Who has keys besides you and maintenance?
• Can you change locks yourself? (Some leases allow this)

2. Test All Doors & Windows

Go through your entire home and check EVERY door and window:

• Do they lock properly?
• Are locks functional or just decorative?
• Do windows stick or fail to close completely?
• Are there gaps where locks don't align?
• Do sliding doors have security bars or dowels?

Document any issues: Take photos and send them to your landlord (renters) or add to your home improvement list (owners).

3. Check Outdoor Lighting

Walk around your property at night. Are there dark spots where someone could hide?

• Front door: Should be well-lit
• Back door: Motion-activated light minimum
• Side gates: Add lighting if dark
• Walkways: Visible from street

Week 1: Essential Security Upgrades

4. Install Door/Window Sensors

Door and window sensors alert you (via phone) whenever a door or window opens. Essential for ground-floor apartments or homes.

Where to place them:

• All ground-floor windows
• Front and back doors
• Sliding glass doors
• Basement windows
• Any window accessible from a balcony/fire escape

5. Add Security Cameras

Visible cameras deter break-ins. Hidden cameras catch them in the act.

Camera placement strategy:

• Front door (outdoor): See who's at the door, packages, visitors
• Back door/garage (outdoor): Most common break-in point
• Living room/main area (indoor): Monitors interior if break-in occurs
• Hallway facing bedrooms (indoor): Safety for kids, alerts for intrusion

6. Reinforce Entry Points

Front/back doors (if you own or have landlord permission):

• Install deadbolts (minimum 1-inch throw)
• Add strike plates with 3-inch screws (standard screws are useless)
• Consider door reinforcement kits

Sliding glass doors:

• Use a security bar or dowel in the track
• Install anti-lift devices (prevents door from being lifted off tracks)
• Add window film to prevent glass from shattering easily

Windows:

• Install window locks (pin locks for double-hung windows)
• Add security film to ground-floor windows
• Plant thorny bushes below accessible windows (deterrent)

Month 1: Build Your Security System

7. Create a Home Security Plan

Decide on your security strategy:

Option A: Professional Monitoring ($$$$)

Cost: $20-60/month + equipment

Pros: Police/fire/medical dispatch, 24/7 monitoring, often includes equipment

Cons: Monthly fees, contracts, less flexibility

Best for: Homeowners, high-crime areas, frequent travelers

Option B: Self-Monitored Smart System ($)

Cost: $100-500 one-time (equipment only)

Pros: No monthly fees, control via phone app, renter-friendly

Cons: You must respond to alerts, no professional monitoring

Best for: Renters, budget-conscious, tech-savvy users

Option C: Hybrid Approach ($$)

Cost: $100-300 equipment + optional monitoring

Pros: Flexibility, add professional monitoring only when traveling

Cons: May require multiple systems/apps

Best for: Most people—balance of control and protection

8. Set Up Motion Sensor Lights

Motion lights are incredibly effective deterrents.

Strategic placement:

• Above garage door
• Back and side doors
• Walkways to house
• Dark corners of yard

9. Secure Your Garage

Garages are forgotten entry points. Many connect directly to the house.

• Never leave garage door open when away
• Add a zip tie or padlock to emergency release (prevents coat-hanger trick)
• Install motion sensor inside garage
• Lock the door connecting garage to house (treat it like an exterior door)
• Cover garage windows so thieves can't see if cars are home

10. Install a Video Doorbell

See who's at your door from anywhere. Major package theft and burglary deterrent.

Why it works:

• Visible cameras deter porch pirates and burglars
• Two-way audio lets you speak to visitors remotely
• Records everyone who approaches your door
• See packages delivered

Ongoing: Security Habits to Maintain

11. Lock EVERYTHING, EVERY TIME

Most break-ins are through unlocked doors and windows. Not kidding.

Make it a habit:

• Lock doors immediately upon entering (don't wait)
• Lock up even if leaving for "just 5 minutes"
• Close and lock windows on ground floor before leaving
• Lock garage doors
• Check all locks before bed (make it part of your routine)

12. Don't Advertise That You're Away

Burglars look for signs nobody's home:

• Mail piling up: Hold mail or have neighbor grab it
• Newspapers on driveway: Stop delivery or have someone collect them
• No cars in driveway for days: Have someone park there occasionally
• Lights never on: Use timers or smart bulbs on random schedules
• Social media posts: Don't post "At the beach for a week!" in real-time

13. Know Your Neighbors

Neighbors are your best security system.

• Introduce yourself within the first week
• Exchange phone numbers
• Join neighborhood watch or community apps (Nextdoor, Ring Neighbors)
• Look out for each other's property
• Report suspicious activity

14. Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Don't make your home an attractive target:

• Close blinds at night (don't display big TVs, electronics)
• Don't leave boxes from expensive purchases on the curb (break them down, hide them)
• Park bikes inside garage, not visible in yard
• Don't leave tools, ladders, grills in open view

Budget Breakdown: Security Setup Costs

Minimal Budget ($150-300)

• Door/window sensors (5 units): $50-80
• Indoor cameras (2): $40-80
• Motion sensor lights (2): $30-50
• Doorstop alarms (3): $15-25
• Window locks/security bars: $20-30
• Total: $155-265

Mid-Range Budget ($500-800)

• Smart lock: $150-250
• Video doorbell: $80-150
• Door/window sensors (10 units): $100-150
• Indoor cameras (3): $60-120
• Outdoor camera (1): $60-100
• Motion lights (4): $50-80
• Total: $500-850

Comprehensive Setup ($1,200-2,000)

• Smart locks (2-3 doors): $400-750
• Video doorbell: $150-250
• Complete sensor system: $200-300
• 4-camera system (indoor + outdoor): $200-400
• Professional installation: $200-300
• Glass break sensors: $50-100
• Total: $1,200-2,100

Renter-Specific Security Tips

What You CAN Do (Without Landlord Permission)

• Install wireless cameras, sensors (removable adhesive)
• Add portable door locks or door jammers
• Use window security film (removable)
• Install temporary motion lights (battery-powered)
• Add security bars to sliding doors

What Requires Landlord Permission

• Changing locks or installing deadbolts
• Hardwired security systems
• Permanent outdoor cameras
• Anything requiring drilling/permanent installation

Emergency Preparedness

Create an Emergency Plan

• Identify escape routes from every room
• Establish a meeting point outside (for fire/emergency)
• Keep emergency contact list on fridge
• Program local police non-emergency number in phone
• Know locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kit

Important Numbers to Save

• 911 (obviously)
• Local police non-emergency
• Fire department non-emergency
• Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
• Landlord/property manager (renters)
• Home security company (if applicable)
• Trusted neighbor

Common Security Mistakes to Avoid

❌ "I live in a safe neighborhood"

✅ Crime happens everywhere. Secure your home regardless of location.

❌ Leaving spare keys under doormat/plant

✅ Give spare keys to trusted neighbor or use smart lock with codes.

❌ Posting real-time location on social media

✅ Post vacation photos after you return home.

❌ Keeping garage door open all day

✅ Close it even when home. Direct access to house + shows what you own.

❌ Not testing security system

✅ Test cameras, sensors, locks monthly to ensure they work.

❌ Trusting previous owners changed locks

✅ Always change locks yourself. Always.

Insurance Considerations

Document Everything

• Photograph all valuables (electronics, jewelry, art)
• Keep receipts for major purchases
• Create home inventory (written list + photos)
• Store documentation in cloud or safety deposit box

Understand Your Coverage

Homeowners: Review your policy. Most cover theft, but limits exist for jewelry, electronics.

Renters: Get renter's insurance ($15-30/month). Covers your belongings if stolen or damaged.

The Bottom Line

Securing your new home isn't paranoia—it's responsibility.

You don't need a $5,000 security system. Start with basics: change locks, add door/window sensors, install cameras, lock everything religiously.

Build your security over time. Start with $150-300 in essentials, then add smart locks, more cameras, and monitoring as budget allows.

The goal isn't making your home impenetrable (impossible). The goal is making it less attractive than your neighbor's house. Burglars look for easy targets. Don't be one.