Renters are not doing enough to protect homes, survey says
Assurant's new study says renters are only taking limited precautions to safeguard their property while away from home.
According to a new study from Assurant, renters are not taking enough precautions to protect their property and valuables.
Furthermore, renters may be alerting potential burglars that their homes are unoccupied. Roughly nine out of 10 of the renters polled who posted vacation updates on social media did so while still away home.
“We were surprised to see that more people are essentially advertising that their homes are empty, especially since our survey found security was the second most important feature when choosing a rental home,” said Steve Hein, senior vice president of multifamily housing at Assurant, said in a press release. “The reality is that given the world we live in where technology can compromise privacy and safety, it’s imperative for renters to take extra precautions and have the right protections in place.”
Limited precautions
Most respondents to the study agreed that security was always important, but many are not taking necessary precautions to mitigate a burglary. Only 45% of the renters said they have a lock on their door; 36% said neighbors help keep an eye on their property while their away; and a quarter percent or fewer have video cameras, phone alerts or alarm systems installed at their home.
Fifty-four percent of renters polled said they would even pay a higher rent if their landlord offered a connected security device/doorbell.
“Property managers and landlords need to be aware of renters’ growing interest in security features,” said Hein. “Advances in technology have made connected security devices that monitor homes more affordable and many renters expressed a willingness to pay more for such protection.”
Renter confusion
The survey revealed that there is a lot of confusion about who is responsible in a rented property in the event of a burglary/theft, property damage or other claim. Thirty-six percent of respondents said they either weren’t sure or that the landlord/property management company was responsible.
In fact, 30% of respondents without renters insurance said it was because they never thought about it or it was never offered. Another 26% believed renters insurance was too expensive, and 19% believe their landlord would be responsible if something were to happen.
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