tenant requested security screens to be installed

The tenant for one of my ip's has just requested security screens be installed on the basis there has been break-ins in the neighbourhood. Also asked for the range hood in the kitchen to be repaired as it is not working.

Range hood repair, no questions asked, but security screens? What do you guys reckon? These tenants have been with me for about a year and a half, they're ok, no real dramas, but they're in arrears every second week, but end up paying eventually.

Not sure what to do regarding this one.

Any opinions?

Cheers guys

 

Are there a big number of break ins in the neighbourhood? Break-ins occur everywhere.. will they ask the same of the next house they go to? They chose to rent a house with no screens..

 

Security screens are usually a good idea IMO. If tenants feel safe they generally stay longer and long term relationships are to everyone's benefit. It might also be the difference for potential applicants between your property and another next time you have a vacancy.

Arrears issue isnt relevant here and needs to be resolved separately.

 

If they are repeatedly in arrears, I'd be looking at not renewing the lease. I would not install the security screens either. If they were a reliable long-term tenant, I'd consider it

 

I think security screens a good idea.
You don't have to do the whole house at once.
They will make the property much more desirable to future tenants.
Marg

 

Simple and depends if you want to keep the tenant or not.

1. Don't want to keep them then say no and consider if they vacate

2. Don't mind if you keep them get a quote for how much then work out how much you will increase the rent by as you have improved their property compared to when they rented originally. If they don't agree that is their call if they agree then get it done and increase their rent.

3. Really want to keep them put them in and don't increase rent.

Myself I would go with 2 but with the arrears part I am leaning more towards 1 then 2 (only just being 60/40) but I wouldn't be doing 3 as they are not a great tenant. Of course if the rental market is weak then trying to get rent increase will likely get the person to leave and maybe 3 is the preferred option rather then trying to find new tenant and dropping rent.

 

You might also consider those keyed locks for all the windows rather than screens. Do the doors have deadlocks? If the doors already have deadlocks, then there is no requirement for added security purely based on the "security" factor. Security screens would make the accommodation more comfortable but deadlocks probably cost a lot less.

Gosh, the cost to secure the entire house with screens would be OTT.

 

Hi Gavin,
here's a thought
Does your 'late paying tenant' have contents insurance?
If they do, will the insurers give him a discount for the extra security?

Also ,
Check on your Landlords insurance as to what kind of security you need to get a discount ?
(Robbers often damage windows and doors)
I hope this helps

 

I don't rent anything without good security.

Might pay off in the long term for you

 

Save money and give them a cricket bat to put next to the front door.

 

I have something better next to my bed. But unfortunately you'll find if it gets used, the robber will be treated as the poor victim that got bashed.. and I get charged with assault/GBH/death protecting my family inside my own home.

 

It's desirable and often a good idea.

Quite a few of my tenants request security screens. I have found in 99% of cases they're more than happy to have them installed just across the front windows. Personally I can't understand how this provides any benefit, but everyone seems thrilled with it.

I wouldn't be seriously considering going above and beyond for tenants who can't keep on top of the rent though- no rewards for bad behaviour.

 

In WA

Rental property security standards

The lessor is responsible for the property having a minimum level of security in place. The minimum security relates to door locks, window locks and exterior lights. The security required is specified in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989.

All rental properties must be in line with the minimum security standards specified in the regulations (as of 1 July 2015).

If a tenant wants to fit additional security they must get the lessor’s permission before any work is started. Sometimes tenants and lessors agree to share the cost of upgrading security above minimum standards. If this happens it’s important to put it in writing and make sure both parties sign the agreement.

It is illegal for either a lessor or tenant to remove or change any locks without getting the consent of the other person first.
Continues.......

 

I'm on the fence on this one, and a lot depends on the area & what is considered 'standard' in that particular area.

I have a few properties in ex-housing commission properties. These areas are not considered the 'best' areas by some people, however I would not spend money putting in screens, and this is for a number of reasons. Not in any particular order, off the top of my head, here are a few reasons that I can think of:

Tenant rented home 'as is', and rent was set based on the amenity of the property.
Despite much in the way of negative stereotypes, there really isn't that many break ins.
It is not something that is common, nor expected, in the general area.

If, on the otherhand, my property(s) was in an area with high crime, and every second home in the area had these screens for protection, then yes, I would absolutely do it.

 

Security screens add value to your property and offers an additional safety feature for tenants.
The rental arrears situation requires addressing as a separate matter.
Skater does make a good point in relation to the fact that when tenants move into a property the property is 'as is' as per the Entry Condition Report and needs to be accepted as this within the contractual lease agreement. However, as an owner of IPs I do understand that there is value in maintaining your property, building value and minimising opportunity for theft through security screens.

 

Great answer, I totally agree!

 

I think security screens are good in high crime areas, but I would always ensure they're installed with fire safety in mind. I see a lot of security screens that cannot be opened from the inside, so they keep criminals out - but also become a huge hazard should the house go up in flames and the tenants can't get out.

 

As well as the criminal aspects, security screens are also valuable in allowing windows to be left open to increase ventilation and reduce the formation of mould.
Marg

 

What are security screens for windows? Can't see any pics so assume you must be talking about flywire screens.