Do you know what’s best practice for holiday let security – 5 Simple Ways to Improve Safety and Reduce Risk
Last Updated on October 3, 2025 by admin
Do you own a holiday let in Cornwall, along the Devon coast or within the South West? No matter where you are located, owning a holiday let can be a rewarding investment, but it also comes with responsibilities. Guests expect comfort, convenience, and above all, safety. As an owner, ensuring your property is secure isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s also about protecting your income, reducing risks, and meeting the conditions of your insurance policy.
From physical locks to digital protections, small improvements can make a big difference to holiday let security. Here are five practical steps to help safeguard your holiday let, protect your guests, and reduce the likelihood of costly claims, no matter where you are based.
- Upgrade your locks and entry systems
A strong first line of defence is essential. Many burglaries are opportunistic, so ensuring your doors and windows are properly secured can immediately deter intruders.
High-Security Locks: Consider fitting British Standard BS3621 locks on external doors and key-operated locks on accessible windows. Many insurers require these as a minimum standard.
Key Management: Avoid leaving spare keys hidden outside, and instead use a lockable key safe with a code that you change regularly.
Smart Locks: For added convenience and security, smart locks allow you to issue unique codes for each guest, removing the risk of lost keys being copied or misused.
Strong locks, not only make your property harder to break into, but they also ensure you’re compliant with common insurance requirements.
- Light up your property
Burglars prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Proper lighting makes your holiday let less appealing to intruders and safer for your guests.
Motion-sensor lighting: Fit outdoor lights with motion sensors at entry points and paths. These startle would-be intruders and give guests confidence when arriving after dark.
Timers for indoor lighting: If your property is vacant between bookings, use timer switches to create the impression of occupancy.
Pathway illumination: Good lighting around steps, paths, and driveways reduces the risk of slips and trips, helping you avoid potential liability claims.
A well-lit holiday let is not only more secure, it’s also more welcoming.
- Install an alarm or security system
Alarm systems act as both a deterrent and a protective measure. Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to monitor your property remotely.
Intruder alarms: Even a basic alarm can discourage break-ins and may lower insurance premiums.
Monitored systems: Professional monitoring services can alert authorities if an intrusion is detected, offering extra peace of mind.
CCTV & Smart cameras: Discreetly installed cameras can help protect against vandalism and theft. Modern smart cameras also allow you to check in on your property from your smartphone.
Just remember: if you do install cameras, make sure they don’t compromise guest privacy by pointing only at entrances or outdoor areas.
- Don’t overlook digital security
It’s not only physical threats that pose a risk to holiday lets. Increasingly, digital security is just as important.
Wi-Fi Safety: Guests will expect internet access, but an unsecured network could expose you to cyber risks. Set up a guest Wi-Fi network separate from your own.
Smart devices: If you use smart locks, thermostats, or lighting, ensure they’re password protected and regularly updated.
Data Protection: Be mindful of how you handle guest information such as booking details and payment data. Storing or sharing this carelessly could breach GDPR and leave you liable.
By treating digital security with the same seriousness as physical security, you’ll protect your property, your business, and your guests.
- Carry out regular safety checks
Security isn’t just about preventing burglary—it’s also about reducing the risk of accidents and claims.
Fire safety: Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Provide fire extinguishers and clear escape routes.
Appliance checks: Ensure boilers, electrical systems, and gas appliances are serviced and certified as required.
Guest information: Leave a simple safety guide in your welcome pack with emergency contacts, instructions for appliances, and guidance on what to do if there’s a problem.
Carrying out these checks shows diligence, protects your guests, and helps demonstrate compliance if you ever need to make a claim.
Don’t forget your insurance
Even with the best security measures in place, risks can never be fully eliminated. That’s why having the right specialist holiday home insurance is so important. Many standard home policies won’t cover the unique risks of letting your property to paying guests, leaving you exposed if something goes wrong.
A tailored policy, which Boshers provide UK wide, can offer cover for theft, damage, liability, and loss of rental income, giving you complete peace of mind. Just remember to review your policy documents carefully and check for exclusions, especially around security requirements. Failure to meet conditions such as lock standards or alarm maintenance could invalidate a claim.
Securing your holiday let isn’t complicated. By combining physical safeguards, digital protections, and routine safety checks, you’ll not only reduce the risk of incidents but also reassure guests and protect your investment. And with the right specialist insurance in place, you can relax knowing you’re covered, whatever happens.
