Why Security in Industrial Leasing Is Non-Negotiable

Warehouses aren’t just four walls and a roof—they’re vaults for your inventory, your equipment, your business. So let’s be blunt: security isn’t a “nice-to-have” in industrial leasing. It’s a deal-breaker.
If you're shipping out high-ticket electronics or warehousing pharmaceutical goods, a simple chain-link fence and a padlock won't cut it. And yet, you'd be shocked how many tenants discover security blind spots only after an incident.
Think of it this way—would you rent an apartment with no locks or a broken front door? Exactly.

Perimeter Protection: The First Line of Defense

Let’s start outside. The perimeter is the physical barrier that separates your goods from the world.
What to look for:
Fencing: It should be tall (6’ minimum), preferably anti-climb. Barbed wire or razor wire on top isn’t just for show.
Gated Entry: Manual gates are okay, but automated ones with code/card access are much better.
Barrier Arms or Bollards: Especially important near entrances and loading docks.
In high-theft areas—like parts of Chicago or Atlanta—you’ll even see dual-gate setups or vehicle traps. These slow down unauthorized access and keep trucks from getting hijacked.
Bottom line: A secure perimeter tells would-be thieves, “Keep walking.”

Access Control Systems: Who Gets In (and Who Doesn’t)

Security isn’t just about keeping people out—it’s about knowing who's inside at all times.
Modern access control systems can make or break your operational integrity:
Badge or Key Fob Systems: Let you restrict entry by role, time of day, and more.
Biometrics or PIN Pads: Useful for high-security zones or sensitive inventory rooms.
Visitor Logs & Driver Check-ins: Every truck driver and guest should be accounted for.
In multi-tenant facilities, you’ll want clear separation—think doors, cages, or walls. Shared entry points should have 24/7 surveillance and entry logs. You don’t want another tenant’s worker wandering into your freight lane at 3am.

Surveillance Tech That Works (And What’s Overkill)

You need eyes everywhere—but not all cameras are created equal.
Essentials:
High-res Cameras: Minimum 1080p with night vision.
Coverage: Loading docks, entrances, internal aisles, parking lots.
Storage: At least 30 days of footage retention (cloud or local DVR).
Remote Access: So you (or your ops team) can check feeds from anywhere.
Avoid gimmicks like thermal imaging unless you're in defense or high-risk pharmaceuticals. Instead, invest in reliable coverage and a central monitoring system. Some landlords even offer integrated security portals—if they do, great. If not, ask if you can install your own.

Lighting and Visibility: The Underestimated Security Layer

You can have the best fence and top-tier cameras—but if the area’s dark, it’s a security fail.
Good lighting does three things:
Dissuades criminals.
Improves camera footage quality.
Keeps employees safer during night shifts.
Look for:
LED floodlights around entrances and docks.
Motion sensors near blind spots.
Emergency lighting inside the warehouse.
In older parks—especially across New Jersey and Pennsylvania—lighting upgrades are often left to the tenant. So check the lease: who’s responsible for replacing bulbs or upgrading fixtures?

On-Site Security Staff: Are They Worth the Cost?

Security guards are a major line item. So when are they worth it?
When to consider:
24/7 operations with high-value goods.
Locations in crime-prone areas.
Shared campuses with uncontrolled access points.
Some industrial parks in Los Angeles or Houston pool security costs across tenants—great in theory, but make sure that guard’s not just napping in a booth.
And if you're footing the bill solo? Ask for guard rotation schedules, response protocols, and background checks. Don’t just assume a guy in a uniform equals safety.

Insurance Impacts and Tenant Liability

Here’s something that catches tenants off guard: your insurance premiums are often tied directly to security features.
Insurers ask:
Is there monitored surveillance?
Is access restricted or open?
How secure is the perimeter?
Better answers = lower premiums.
And let’s talk liability. If someone breaks in due to a broken gate or busted lock, who's on the hook? Many leases shift that responsibility onto you. That’s why doing a full security walkthrough—preferably with a risk consultant—is non-negotiable before signing.

Custom Security for Specialized Operations

If you're running a cannabis grow facility, a food-grade warehouse, or dealing in government contracts, you’ve got a different playbook.
You may need:
Bulletproof vestibules.
Temperature-monitoring surveillance (yes, really).
Redundant alarm systems.
Motion detection inside the racking aisles.
In these cases, don’t settle for “standard” security. Bring your own integrator and work with the landlord to negotiate access for installation. Some buildings—especially in Denver or Phoenix—already cater to these needs and might even have plug-and-play security suites.

Final Thoughts: Ask These Questions Before Signing the Lease

Before you lock in that lease, ask these:
Who monitors the cameras—landlord or third party?
Can I review the last 30 days of incident reports?
How often are gates, locks, and lighting inspected?
What’s my responsibility vs. the landlord’s?
And the big one: Is this setup going to protect me from the kind of losses my business can’t afford?
Security isn’t sexy, but it’s fundamental. Don’t treat it as an afterthought. Because when something goes sideways—and it will—you’ll want to know you asked the right questions.