Keeping Your Rental Safe This Holiday Period
At Birds Nest, we see it every year. Most security issues don’t happen because something dramatic goes wrong. They happen because small details are missed while people are away. This article is designed to help landlords and property owners feel confident that their property is secure, cared for, and not vulnerable while owners or tenants are on holiday.
This time of year is a time most people look forward to. Travel plans, time with family, and a break from the usual routine. But for rental properties, this change in routine can quietly increase risk if no one is keeping an eye on things.
Why holidays increase security risk in rentals
Over the summer months, routines shift:
Tenants travel or spend more time away
Some properties sit quieter for longer periods
Neighbours may also be away
Minor issues take longer to be noticed or reported
Tenancy Services places strong emphasis on landlords providing safe, secure homes year-round. While the rules don’t change over summer, the risk environment does. A proactive approach before the holidays can prevent avoidable issues later.
Common holiday-period security risks we see in rentals
From our experience managing properties across Christchurch and surrounding areas, the most common issues include:
External doors or garage access that don’t close or lock properly
Sensor lights that have stopped working or are poorly positioned
Sheds or side gates left unsecured
Mail, flyers or rubbish building up and signalling low occupancy
Older maintenance issues becoming easy access points
None of these are major on their own, but together they can make a property more vulnerable.
What landlords should check before tenants head away
If tenants have advised they’ll be travelling, or the property is likely to be quieter than usual, these are key areas worth checking:
Access points
External doors, sliding doors, garages and sheds
Any shared access in townhouses or units
Lighting
Sensor lights tested and working
Timers set on internal or external lights if appropriate
Property condition
Locks, latches and handles in good working order
Windows that close and secure properly
Visibility
Overgrown planting trimmed back
Clear sightlines to entrances and pathways
These checks align with general safety expectations and help reduce both security and compliance risk.
The tenant role in keeping a property secure
Security works best when landlords and tenants are aligned. Before the holiday period, it helps to:
Confirm travel plans where appropriate
Remind tenants to report any concerns early
Ensure they know who to contact if something goes wrong
Tenants who feel supported are far more likely to take care of a property, even when routines change.
A simple holiday security checklist for landlords
For a quick confidence check before you head away:
All external doors and garages lock securely
Sensor lights are working and tested
No unresolved maintenance affecting security
Tenants know who to contact if needed
Emergency contacts and processes are clear
If you can tick these off, you’re already well ahead.
Peace of mind while you’re away
Security isn’t about worrying. It’s about knowing your property is being looked after properly, even when you’re not there. This is where a good property manager really makes a difference. From checking locks, lights and alarms to arranging any small maintenance before it becomes a bigger issue, a property manager keeps everything ticking along behind the scenes. They’re also the clear point of contact for tenants, so if something comes up while you’re away, it’s handled quickly and professionally without disrupting your time off.
If you’d like to talk through your property’s setup, organise a pre-holiday check, or simply have reassurance that everything is covered, the Birds Nest team is always happy to help. Get in touch to enjoy real peace of mind, knowing your property is safe, supported, and cared for while you’re away.
