Home Security Audit Checklist¶

Complete walkthrough checklist for auditing home security across UK properties, covering all external access points, lighting, alarms, and habits with an objective scoring system.

External Security Audit Walkthrough¶

Walk around the exterior of your property and assess each element. Front boundary: are hedges trimmed below 1 metre? Is the front gate secure? Is the house number visible for emergency services? Front door: is the lock BS 3621 rated? Is there a door viewer and chain? Is the letterbox fitted with an anti-fishing plate? Are keys kept at least 1.5 metres from the letterbox? Front elevation: are there accessible climbing aids like bins, trellis, or drainpipes near windows? Is there a visible alarm box? Are PIR security lights functioning? Side access: is the side gate locked? Is the padlock closed-shackle rated? Are there gaps at the base of the gate? Rear garden: are fences and gates secure? Is garden lighting functioning? Are tools and ladders stored away?

Internal and Habit Audit¶

After the external walkthrough, check inside. Ground-floor windows: are all windows fitted with key-operated locks? Are the locks functional? Are window keys stored safely but accessibly? Back door: is the lock BS 3621 rated? Is a key in the door or easily reachable? Internal doors: is the garage-to-house door locked? Internal fire doors should be kept closed. Alarms: test the alarm system including battery backup. Are sensors clean and unobstructed? Is the alarm serviced within the last 12 months? Lighting: are timer switches or smart lights programmed correctly? Do exterior lights activate when tested? Habits: do all household members lock doors consistently? Is the night-time security routine followed? Insurance: are all installed security measures declared to your insurer? Scoring: 0-9 issues needs urgent action, 10-15 issues requires attention soon, 16+ issues property is well secured.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Area	Check Item	Pass/Fail	Action Needed
Front entrance	BS 3621 lock fitted	Yes/No	Replace lock if not BS 3621
Windows	Key locks on ground floor	Yes/No	Install key-operated locks
Alarm	Serviced within 12 months	Yes/No	Schedule service
Lighting	PIR lights functional	Yes/No	Replace bulbs or repair wiring
Habits	Doors locked every time	Yes/No	Reinforce routine with household

FAQ¶

How often should I conduct a home security audit?: Conduct a full audit annually, after moving to a new property, and after any significant home renovation. A quick walkthrough audit every 3 months helps maintain security awareness.
What is the most common security weakness found in UK home audits?: The most common finding is unlocked doors and windows according to ONS data. The second most common is keys left near the letterbox. Both issues are free to fix immediately.
Should I hire a professional for a security audit?: Professional security surveys from NSI-approved companies cost 50-200 and may reveal issues a homeowner would miss. However, a thorough self-audit using this checklist covers the majority of vulnerabilities. For more information see our Smoke and CO Alarm Integration Guide.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the Electrical Safety First.