Who has keys to your property
We hold keys for all of the properties that we manage. We use these for use in emergencies and to complete maintenance work.
We will usually give you 24 hours notice if we ever use the keys and will not use them without your prior knowledge and approval, unless in an emergency.
You may or may not be supplied with keys for any window locks. If you haven’t and your window is unlocked this may be because the window is a possible fire escape. Please call us if you want to check.
Keep your stuff safe
Unfortunately, student properties make for alluring targets for burglars. They know that there's lots of high-value items, such as laptops and games consoles.
They also know that, sometimes, students aren't the most security-conscious households.
Just a bit of forward thinking will help reduce the risk of being robbed. Here's some advice to help you stay safe:
1. Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people go out and leave their front door open. Do this, even if you're in and a room's unoccupied.
2. If there's an alarm set it before you go out.
3. Don’t leave any valuables on display (e.g. by a window).
4. Where possible, take any valuables with you when you go away.
5. Don’t leave keys to any locks easily accessible within your home. A burglar may be able to break in through a small window and then carry larger items out through your back door!
6. Don’t leave your car keys easily accessible when you go out otherwise you may lose your belongings and your car.
7. Don’t let your house look like a student house. Keep the front of the house free of litter and don't put posters in the windows.
8. Make your house look lived in: leave a light on when you go out or a lamp on a timer when you go away. It only costs about 3.5p per day to run a standard 40 watt bulb.
9. Don't close your curtains when you go home for the holidays. Nothing says 'empty house' like closed curtains.
All Purple Frog tenants get free contents insurance. But doing something silly like leaving a door open could invalidate that insurance.
Staying safe, out and about
Experiencing city life is a must, once you live off campus. But it's important to remember that not everyone will want you to be having a fun time.
Keep these safety tips in mind if you're out at night:
1. Stay with a group of friends
2. Don't walk home on your own
3. If in doubt, take a taxi (don't share it with strangers)
4. Don't flash your valuables, especially your mobile phone
5. Let people know where you are and stay in touch
6. Keep your house key safe
7. Stay in well-lit areas
8. Don't engage with harassment
Don't forgo having fun, but stay safe while you're doing it!