Keeping your investment property safe
By Carolyn Parrella | Published 22 November 2024 | Last Updated 19 October 2026
If you’re a landlord, keeping your investment property safe and secure is an ongoing responsibility. While no checklist can remove every risk, practical security measures, preventative maintenance and suitable insurance can help reduce the likelihood and impact of theft. Whether you’re concerned about a break-in or tenant-related theft, these general tips can help you think through ways to better protect your rental property.
Why property security matters for landlords
Theft can happen in both short-term and long-term accommodation, so landlords may want to think about practical security measures, regular maintenance and whether insurance is suitable for their circumstances.
Theft can be a particular focus for rental properties that are leased to tenants fully or partly furnished, because these properties may include added amenities and appliances.
Replacing stolen televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers can be costly for landlords and may take time and effort to organise. Depending on the policy, Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance may help with some insured events, but cover is subject to the policy terms, limits, conditions and exclusions.
Rental property security checklist for landlords
Taking practical steps to prepare for loss or damage may help reduce risk and limit the impact if something does happen.
This can include:
- ensuring the property is well-maintained to give the appearance of occupancy
- repairing any broken windows, doors or locks promptly
- putting deadbolt locks on exterior doors and check window locks remain in working order
- making sure that all pathways and entrances are well-lit and use motion-sensor lights to deter potential intruders
- trimming bushes and trees near windows and doors, and
- installing a reliable alarm system that includes door and window sensors.
How to reduce the impact of a theft
- Keep a detailed inventory of everything within the property that belongs to you. This means the item’s condition, as well as the make and model. Doing this will make things easier when it comes time to make an insurance claim – you’ll know exactly what’s missing and what condition it’s in.
- Document your property. This means taking photos, videos and keeping receipts. Like keeping an inventory, documenting your property is an important step that will make things easier if you’re the victim of a robbery.
- Conduct regular inspections. Make sure that you can keep an eye on your property before, during and after you have tenants. That way you can quickly ascertain whether something is missing.
- Screen who’s staying in your property. You need to know your occupants and what their history is. It’s a simple act, but getting the right tenants may reduce your risk of having your possessions taken.
Can landlord insurance help cover you against theft?
Landlord insurance may help reduce financial loss if your possessions are stolen from an investment property, depending on the policy type and level of cover you choose. It is one factor landlords may wish to consider as part of their broader approach to managing rental property risks.
Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance provides cover for theft within policy limits and exclusions, so read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination to understand what is and is not covered and whether the product is suitable for you.