The apartment lifestyle is different than living in a home in many unique ways, especially when it comes to safety and security. Because you’re so close to other tenants and there is heavy foot traffic within the area, you’ve got to be extra careful because you run a higher risk for crimes like theft and break-ins, and just installing security cameras doesn’t always do the trick. While some complexes have video monitoring systems and wireless home security, not all places are as well as equipped as they should be. We’ve created a guide that offers helpful tips and precautionary measures you can take before and after signing your lease.
Before You Sign
Before sealing the deal, make sure you’re in a location that you’re sure to feel safe in at all times of the day and night. This not only includes the complex itself but the area surrounding it as well. With some places that have surveillance systems already set up, you may be looking into additional monthly fees - which can be a turn off at first but will benefit you in the long run. And if it wasn’t already obvious enough, make sure you tour any place you’re considering before signing anything - it may sound like common sense, but we also get how tempting it can be to put blind faith into something good. However, no place is worth your trading in your safety, regardless of how good of a deal it may be. Consider taking these precautionary measures that when researching the places you’re thinking about moving into:
Research Local Crime
This should be the first factor to consider when looking at apartments to live in. You want to make sure the area you’re moving to is safe with a low crime rate. Talk to the local police and your (potential) future landlord to get a better grasp of what life in the area is like. If you’re still on the fence after having done your research, ask about the installation of a smart home alarm system so you can have an eye on your place at all times. If the landlord nixes the idea, take it off of your list.
Check the Lighting
Because criminals, like robbers, prefer dark spaces and crevices, you’ll want to make sure the area around your apartment is well lit and functioning the way it should be. Consider the lighting in areas such as open entrances, walkways, stairwells, and the parking lot. Good lighting also allows for clearer footage on surveillance cameras. If you notice that lighting is scarce, talk to your (potential) future landlord about installing outdoor monitoring cameras and a DIY alarm system within your complex.
Notice General Upkeep
When looking around the complex, look at how maintained it is. Keep an eye out for broken windows, cracked drywall, or even water stains. If there is poor upkeep, it’s likely that the landlord lacks concern for the building’s appearance. This should wave a red flag because if the landlord doesn’t care about the general maintenance of the complex, he or she is unlikely to really care about taking on security measures.
Examine Apartment Entrances
Another factor to consider when looking at the security of apartments is the entryways of the complex and your individual room. Entrances should always require a key or passcode to get in. Highly consider a location that is gated, as criminals are often turned off by the extra obstacle. If garages are available, make sure they open and close properly and require an opener or passcode. You may also want to think carefully about the possible installation of an outdoor home security system that are monitoring these entryways. When there is this extra security, residents are more likely to remain in control of their valuables.
Try Out the Peephole
The door to your apartment should have a peephole so you can see any activity going on outside of your door. If you’re considering a space that has peepholes built into its doors, check to make sure they function correctly. If there are no peepholes, consider getting a smart home security monitoring device, such as a smart doorbell camera. These wi fi enabled systems often come with a starter kit so it’s an easy self install security system you can use for your apartment.
Replace Door Locks
When moving into a new place, you’ll want to be reassured that no one has access to your space. Some landlords will say they’ve replaced the lock when really, they’ve just rotated between older ones. Make sure you’ve eliminated the risk of previous tenants having access to your space and things by having the option of a brand new lock.
Note Window Locks
Having the ability to open your window and let in cool, fresh air can be an amazing feature, but not when they allow unwanted access by intruders. Make sure the windows have the ability to lock securely into place when they’re not being used. By treating windows as potential entryways, you’re allowing yourself to take the necessary precautions of reducing any possible criminal activity.
Observe the Fire Escapes
In terms of fire safety, exterior fire escapes can be literal lifesavers in the case of an emergency, but it also supplies easy access to windows and balconies that burglars love to use. If there is an exterior fire escape at the complex you’re considering, make sure it can be stored properly off the ground, where criminals can’t easily climb up them.
After Signing
So you’ve found a place to live and you’ve signed a lease? Great! Hopefully, your new complex has a lot of features that make you feel secure and safe at all times, but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking your safety into consideration. If anything, signing the lease should make you warier, as you’ll be spending a lot more time there. In these cases, outdoor monitoring cameras and DIY home alarm systems help to bring you the level of comfort you deserve. Consider the following precautions to take when living in your new place:
Purchase Additional Locks
Your main door will already have a lock, but consider installing a deadbolt and chain lock as well. Deadbolts are harder to pick because they require you to rotate the lock cylinder, and the chain lets you crack open the door to greet a stranger without having to open your door all the way. For added safety, consider adding a lock to additional rooms (such as your bedroom) in the apartment, if they don’t already have locks, just to maintain a level of privacy.
Bolster Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are easy ways for criminals to intrude without making a peep. Even better (for them), the locks are often poorly manufactured, making it easy to unlock a locked sliding door with a nudge. By installing an inside bar lock on the track, you’re providing your home with optimal security.
Invest in Good Blinds or Curtains
Don’t let a burglar see all your valuables inside your home; invest in blinds or curtains that completely block any view of what’s going on inside. When you’re headed out, make sure to properly close your blinds.
Practice Using a Safe
Often overlooked, a safe is handy for protecting smaller valuables such as jewelry, checks, firearms, or sensitive documents. For an added level of security, talk to your landlord about bolting it to a wall or the floor so a burglar can’t walk away with it.
Have a Working Fire Alarm System
Apartment safety isn’t always about burglary and theft. We all hate it when our fire and smoke alarm systems start beeping when they’re malfunctioned or need a battery replacement, but the truth is, we aren’t thankful enough. Fires are especially dangerous in apartments because they are not only putting you and your family in danger but the other tenants as well. Fires can happen from a gas leak to leaving candles lit, to arson, or anything in between. Make sure your fire security system is working properly and constantly, so you can get notified right when it happens and can take the following measures.
Invest in Renters Insurance
Getting renters insurance protects your personal possessions in case they get damaged or destroyed. While your complex may provide renters insurance, it generally only covers the building, but not your personal assets. When you sit down and think about the total value of everything you own, you’ll realize that the additional investment is worth it.
The Installment of a Security System
So far, we’ve mentioned a plethora of security devices to take advantage of. From DIY security systems, smart home automation, outdoor video surveillance, and wireless home security systems, it seems like the options for security are endless; and with an endless amount of opportunity, there is no excuse not to have some level of security in your place. You’ll have to talk to your landlord first to make sure it’s okay, but once you’re cleared, be sure to invest to protect yourself.
Let Home Security Professional find you the right home security provider that you and your family deserves. Customers all over the nation trust us to connect them with top security companies in their local area. We’ve got expert installers all over the nation who are ready to give you the peace of mind you deserve!