Rental house security attracts attention

According to the "China Floating Population Development Report 2012" published by the National Population and Family Planning Commission, the urban population in China has now surpassed 50%, marking a significant shift in the country's demographic structure. The number of people moving from rural to urban areas has reached an all-time high, with over 230 million individuals classified as floating population in 2011—representing about 17% of the total population. Managing this large mobile group and ensuring their safety has become a major challenge for society at large, particularly for security companies tasked with protecting these vulnerable communities.

As summer approaches, the issue of theft in rental housing has become increasingly pressing. Many rental areas are located in regions undergoing demolition, where the environment is often open and unsecured. This leads to a highly transient population, making it easier for crime to occur. The mix of different social groups in such areas further complicates the situation, as it becomes harder to monitor and control access. Ensuring the safety of rented homes has thus become a top priority for both residents and local authorities.

In Shenzhen alone, the floating population exceeded 12 million in 2011, with more than four million rental units in operation. Theft incidents in these homes have been frequent, especially during the hot summer months when tenants seek relief from the heat by opening windows and doors. This increases vulnerability, leading to a rise in burglary cases. Both landlords and tenants have taken various measures, including installing cameras, electronic locks, and even guard dogs, to protect their properties.

Is the Door Lock Safe Enough?

Rental door locks have evolved through several generations. The first generation includes traditional A-level locks, such as flat or cross locks, which are easy to pick. The second generation features one-way electronic locks that allow entry via an IC card but do not require a swipe for exit. The third generation, two-way electronic locks, requires swiping the card both when entering and exiting, offering the highest level of security. However, many rental properties still use basic A-level locks, which can be compromised within seconds by skilled thieves.

Advanced locks, such as Super Class B models, are much more secure, taking up to 270 minutes to break into. Additionally, crescent-shaped lock cores provide better resistance against forced entry compared to straight or cross-shaped keys. The most secure type of key is the zigzag-toothed key, which significantly enhances anti-theft performance.

The Need for Improved Alarm Systems

In addition to physical locks, alarm systems play a crucial role in preventing theft. These systems can send alerts via SMS or capture video images when unauthorized access is detected. Loud alarms also serve as a deterrent to potential intruders. However, during the summer, infrared detectors may lose sensitivity due to high temperatures, leading to false negatives. Therefore, it’s recommended to install detectors with temperature compensation features to ensure reliability.

While technological solutions like alarms and smart locks are effective, they come with high installation costs, which can be a burden for renters. Moreover, the short-term nature of many rental agreements makes it difficult to justify long-term investments in security. Recognizing this, governments have started to step in. For example, Nancheng District in Dongguan City invested heavily in 2009 to install free wireless alarm systems in thousands of rental homes. This initiative proved successful in reducing crime and improving safety for residents.