One of the more overlooked aspects of shared student housing is that the property might be less secure than when living by yourself. Living in a shared accommodation with numerous people can increase security risks like unauthorised access, burglary, theft, and vandalism. This can be even more risky if your accommodation has sash windows, which criminals often target due to their basic security features and ease of access.
To minimise the risks that come with living in shared student accommodation, it helps to have some window sash locks installed. Whether you’re a landlord looking to rent shared accommodation or a student who wants to increase home security, our handy guide for budget-friendly sash window locks is here to help. We’ve spoken with leading UK sash window lock supplier Locksandhardware.co.uk for some expert insight into the best window sash locks for shared student accommodation, so continue reading on to find the right solution for your needs!
The Importance of Sash Window Locks in Shared Student Housing
Life in shared student housing has its ups and downs. You can create unforgettable memories and forge friendships that will last a lifetime, not to mention enjoying the odd party or two. Of course, trying to get some peace and quiet for a last-minute study session before a big exam is easier said than done when you’re sharing a home with several other students. You might also need to keep what food you can afford under lock and key or risk it being stolen by a hungry housemate.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks that comes with shared housing is the increased risk of various security issues. With more people coming and going from a single property, there is a higher risk of keys being lost, windows being left open, and doors being unlocked. More housemates means more valuables lying around that are visible to the outside, something that could make the property a target for opportunistic thieves.
Plus, as many students are living away from home for the first time, they may not fully understand the best ways to keep their property safe and secure. Simply put, if you live in shared accommodation, student or otherwise, your home will likely face a higher risk of theft, burglary, unauthorised access, vandalism, and other safety concerns.
If your student accommodation is older, like many privately rented properties in UK cities with colleges and universities, then there’s also a chance that they have sash windows. While unquestionably attractive, sash windows are far less secure than casement windows, due to a lack of robust locking systems.
To help reduce some of these security risks that come with shared housing, students or their landlords must install locking sash window locks. Doing so can minimise common security threats, making homes safer and students less likely to be the victims of crime. But what exactly are the best sash locks for windows in shared accommodation? Read below for some helpful insight!
Budget-Friendly Locks for Students
If you’re a landlord or student looking to burglar-proof sash windows in a shared home, then sash window restrictors are an outstanding choice. Sash window restrictors are easily installed onto the top window sash to stop the bottom sash from moving past it, creating a small opening in the window for fresh air.
You can install the restrictors to specific points on the window so that it won’t open beyond a set point. By restricting the window opening to no more than 100mm, you can prevent burglars from climbing in through the sash window to reduce the risk of break-ins.
When it comes to choosing robust locking sash window locks for student accommodation, fitch fasteners and Brighton fasteners are both great options. These sash locks are installed onto the window frame and keep it securely in place when engaged. The fasteners also come with lockable options for increased security and can be easily installed onto the window frame without causing damage.
These sash locks for windows are strong and durable, so they can handle plenty of use that’s common in busy households with lots of residents. Make sure to choose window sash locks made from durable materials like chrome and brass, as these are corrosion-resistant and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Boosting security in shared student housing with sash windows is easy with the correct type of locks. By installing sash window restrictors and sash window locks like fitch fasteners or Brighton locks, you can make it much more challenging for criminals to force open windows. Window sash locks and restrictors are also easy to remove from the window frame if landlords want to make changes to the sash windows in between tenancies.
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