If you are a single woman renting alone in Malaysia, it is essential that you know several safety tips to protect yourself from potential dangers. But if you do not, never fear!
We’ve compiled ten essential safety tips to help you navigate the challenges of living alone and give you peace of mind while enjoying your independence.
10 Safety Tips to Stay Safe in Your Rental Home
1. Choose Your Neighbourhood Carefully
When choosing a rental property, be sure to research the area thoroughly. Search for well-lit neighbourhoods that have good transport links and are relatively crime-free.The proximity of your rental to nearby amenities such as shops, hospitals, and police stations is another important consideration for single women renting alone in Malaysia.
In an emergency, quick access to these resources can significantly affect your ability to handle the situation effectively. For example, if you ever feel threatened or unsafe in your rental, having a police station nearby can provide a sense of security and the ability to get help fast.
2. Check the Property Thoroughly
Another critical safety tip before renting a property is to ensure it is secure and safe.
Here are several things to look out for:
- Check that the locks on all doors and windows are in good condition.
- Look for signs of damage, such as loose door hinges or broken locks.
- Have a look at the lighting both inside and outside of the property. Adequate lighting is essential for visibility and can help deter crime.
By thoroughly checking the property before renting, you can identify any safety issues and take steps to address them before moving in.
3. Install a Security System
Installing a security system in your rental property can provide you with added protection and peace of mind while living alone. For example, a basic system, such as a doorbell camera or motion sensor light, can help deter potential intruders.
You can also invest in a more comprehensive system with an alarm and monitoring service. Some security systems even have remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to monitor your rental property from afar. This can be especially helpful if you travel frequently.
Read More: Home Rentals: Tips and Tricks to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home
4. Get to Know Your Neighbours
Introduce yourself to your neighbours and exchange contact information. You may also want to consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group. Building rapport with your neighbours can provide you with a sense of community support. You’ll also have people nearby whom you can turn to in case of an emergency.
Knowing your neighbours can also help increase your safety. They can monitor your property when you’re away and alert you to any suspicious activity in the neighbourhood. Likewise, when you know the people living in your neighbourhood, you can easily identify suspicious individuals and respond appropriately.
5. Keep Your Keys Safe
When renting alone, it’s essential to always keep your keys with you and avoid leaving them in obvious places, such as under a doormat or flowerpot. This is because if your keys fall into the wrong hands, it can be easy for someone to break into your home and steal your belongings, important documents and more.
Furthermore, you should immediately report to your landlord or property management team if you have lost your keys and have them change the locks.
6. Don’t Let Strangers Into Your Home
One of the most important safety tips when renting alone is never letting strangers into your home. Inviting strangers into your rental compromises your privacy and increases the risk of theft. They may steal your valuables and other belongings, resulting in significant financial loss and emotional distress.
If someone you don’t know well wants to enter your home, it’s best to meet them in a public place or have someone else present. Or, if the person claims to be a delivery person or maintenance worker, ask for identification and verify it with your landlord or property management team before letting them in.
Read More: Food Waste in Malaysia: Ways to Manage This Epidemic
7. Cover Windows and Doors
We recommend hanging curtains with non-transparent fabrics on your windows and doors to protect your privacy and prevent outsiders from peeping into your rooms when living alone. This way, you can go about your day without worrying about compromising your privacy.
8. Install Motion-Sensitive Light
A motion-sensitive light can alert you of any unwarranted movement outside your rental property. This is an easy safety tip to stay alert about potential intruders. They can also catch intruders off guard and dissuade them from trespassing on your property.
However, it’s vital to take extra care to ensure that your neighbours are not disturbed by the light.
9. Check Your Peephole
A simple yet effective safety tip to help you avoid potential threats or intruders is to check the peephole before opening your door. By doing so, you can identify who is at your door before deciding to open it.
10. Get Strong Locks
Our last safety tip is to buy strong locks. Strong locks are more difficult to pick or break, making it more challenging for intruders to access your home. Furthermore, they can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your rental property is secure and your personal belongings are protected.
Read More: Guide to Clean and Disinfect Your House Properly
Tenant Safety with Rumah-i
In addition to the safety tips listed above, property managers also play a role in keeping tenants safe.
Rumah-i is a rental management company in Malaysia that provides simple property solutions for landlords and investors. Our property management package includes comprehensive security services, such as tenant screening, regular property inspections, and digital locks to keep tenants safe.
