Renters Safety Report 2021

While there are plenty of good guides to upgrading home security and Safehome research home safety extensively and they still had questions: How many renters feel unsafe in their current home situations, and if renters had to choose between a newly installed security system or a renovated kitchen, which would they prefer?

Key Findings

• Over the past year, 2 out of 5 renters considered moving due to safety concerns. The proportion was even higher (56%) among those who rent the most expensive places.
• Alarm systems were the home security feature most likely to make renters feel safe, followed by smart doorbells and security cameras.
• On average, renters without access to a gated parking garage would pay $30 more in rent per month to live in a place that does.
• Renters across generations tended to value certain home amenities higher than security features, particularly in-unit laundry and updated kitchens.

Highlights of Report

Examining Renters Who Feel Unsafe

Women were generally more concerned with safety (90% said it’s very or extremely important) than men (82%).

Overall, Gen X was less concerned about safety when house hunting than Gen Z or millennials.

Renter’s Security Features Preferences

Window locks took the lead as the most common security feature that renters have at home.

Personal privacy is an important aspect of home security.

The Cost of Added Security Features

American renters, on average, would pay up to $30 per month for added security features, with gated parking garages being the most highly-valued asset.

Women would pay roughly an additional $6 per security feature than men would, with the exceptions of two features that men would invest more for: gated parking garages and bolt/chain locks on exterior doors.

How Renters Value Home Security Features Over Other Amenities

Among all generations, renters value in-unit laundry and an updated kitchen more highly than home security features.

When comparing security features alone versus stacked up against other amenities, smart doorbells had the most dramatic change.

You can view the full report here https://www.safehome.org/home-safety/renter-safety-cost-analysis/

About SafeHome.org

SafeHome.org (https://www.safehome.org/) is your trusted authority on home and personal security. SafeHome.org simplifies the search for safety products through comprehensive comparisons and easy-to-read research on the latest technologies and tools available. The SafeHome.org team, which has hundreds of years of combined experience in law enforcement and security, spends countless hours compiling safety data so that consumers can choose security solutions confidently and decisively. For more information, visit: https://www.safehome.org/.