Whether you rent or living in your apartment, you could, of course, feel that the rules of your building limit your home security options. But the truth is that there are plenty of home security measures that you can implement in your situation, regardless of your case. Not only is staying safe where you live, essential but also is protecting all your belongings. If you live in your home, you have the freedom and ability to install any security you want.
But, living in an apartment can present certain obstacles to your wish to create a protected space. As a renter, you have limited options for adding security. But what can surprise you is that there are tons of easy security measures that you can implement –even in a large apartment building or complex.
Apartment security can be more than just the locked doors to get into your building or the intercom systems that require you to buzz in guests. There are quite a few things that don’t cost a lot and do a great job of protecting you and your belongings while living in an apartment.
According to several types of research, though today’s burglary statistics show an overall decrease in burglary rates, thousands of homes are still being broken into every year, often in plain view, during the day. Nowadays, apartment dwellers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to home security systems.
Below is given a guide that will help you understand what apartment security factors to consider before signing a lease along with the things you can do after you move in to give yourself top-notch apartment security.
This guide will also help you understand what security issues you should be aware of and will provide you with all the information you need to take the right steps toward making your apartment as safe as possible. Before moving to your new apartment, you must be aware of some specifics and do the necessary research and are listed below.
Research local crime
You may have already heard it from your realtor, and it is genuine- it is all about the location. And it covers more essential things that just how close your new apartment to your favorite restaurant. Before you decide to call on a new place home, you must research the area’s crime rates and talk to the residents.
You should also check sites like SpotCrime to see and be updated on what is happening in the neighborhood crime-wise. You can also find out information by talking to neighbors, police, and local business owners to know the neighborhood’s finer details before signing the lease.
Check the lighting
Apartment buildings and complexes sometimes have quite a few dark nooks and crannies, which make them perfect for burglars or people who want to sneak around; those who are generally called “shady.” It is of enormous importance to have good lighting in common areas. Having security cameras too is a bonus.
Some of the common areas are- Hallways, Parking areas, Storage rooms, Waste management areas, Stairwells, Laundry rooms, Mailrooms, etc. If you can, you could bring a friend along with you and check it out at night to get a clearer idea of how well everything lights up and find out if there are any motion sensor lights.
Note the general upkeep
Little things such as burnt-out light bulbs, peeling paint, or leaky faucets might seem like quite easily fixable annoyances, but they can be tell-tale signs of a less-than-attentive landlord. Another thing you would want in a new apartment is to have a significant security issue- a broken lock or window, and then we have to wait weeks for a proper fix. It would help if you started evaluating the apartment’s safety as soon as you arrive at the building or complex before moving in.
It would help if you then made tedious notes detailing the signs of low maintenance. For example, you could write if there are broken fences, overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, or worn carpeting. At this point, since you are not a tenant yet, hold the landlord accountable by asking if they plan to fix the issues before you move in or soon after. It would help if you kept your ground and did not accept vague answers.
Check all the entrances to the apartment
The first line of defense in renter or tenant’s security is the entrances to your apartment and the building or complex. You should check all the entries for secure locks and additional security features like peepholes, chain locks, key codes, cameras, and remote unlocking. You should ask the management how often they change the keys and fundamental principles. You don’t want the past risk tenant accessing your apartment.
Check the apartment windows
If doors are your first line of defense, windows are the second. You must check the window for sturdy, easy-to-use locks, especially if you are on the ground floor. You must make sure the windows are secure from outside and analyze if there is any chance a burglar could break in through it. It would also help if you kept an eye out for any windows that have door locks nearby, as an intruder could easily smash a window, reach in, and open a lock.
Consider the emergency exits
Besides, making sure your apartment is secure against theft; security is also about making sure you can quickly get out in case of an emergency. Look for posted fire escape plans and signs and if you are on the ground level, make sure your windows open quickly from inside.
You also need to check for working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, ensure that fire escape ladders are appropriately stored so that burglars can’t reach them from the ground. The things you must take care of after moving into your new apartment are listed below-
Get renters’ insurance –
Despite all the safety precautions you might take, unfortunate events still may happen, and it is a good idea if you decide to get a renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance policy covers personal property like furniture, clothing, electronics, possession, or anything mostly that could be damaged by a burglar or disaster.
Unlike your landlord’s insurance, which covers only the building you live in, renter’s insurance also helps cover liabilities and medical costs are a visitor injure themselves in your apartment.
Invest in a safe –
Even if a burglar does get into your apartment, you can ensure that they can’t cart off any of your valuable possessions. An astringent home safe is an excellent deterrent for burglars and snooping roommates or not-so-trustworthy guests. You can store cash, jewelry, heirlooms, firearms, important documents, and any other valuables inside, and you could have it bolted to a wall or floor for maximum security after talking it over with a landlord.
Consider cameras –
A security can be quite an affordable addition to your apartment security monitoring. Though you might think that cameras need a full security system, there are plenty of standalone cameras that send a feed directly to your smartphone, so you can easily monitor your apartment from anywhere.
Most security cameras and smart video doorbells usually have motion detection, night vision, and two-way talk. Smart video doorbells allow you to chat with people without even having to open it safely, and they even come in models that can attach to your door.
Upgrade your door locks –
If you don’t have a deadbolt in your apartment already, you must get one installed when you move in and ask your landlord to change the regular locks on your door as well. Keep in mind that there are no duplicate keys to your apartment and that only you can access your apartment. Another way to secure your apartment is by installing additional door locks, like chain locks or door reinforcement lock.
Install a security system
Nowadays, technology has taken quite a leap, and wireless alarm systems are available which use an adhesive to fix door and window sensors in place. You can use your smartphone for monitoring. Many security systems for apartments come with freestanding sirens, alerting you to any problems and scaring off intruders. A bonus is that having an apartment alarm system scores you lower rates on your renter’s insurance.
Conclusion
Moving into a new place, like a new apartment, can be very exciting, and knowing that your new home is secure makes the experience even sweeter. Real apartment security is about doing the little things that make a big difference in the long run.
Apartments are also mostly safer than living in houses as far as home security is concerned. High-density apartments generally have more people around to spot an intruder than single-family homes and may not have easily accessible entrances, which will help you feel safe.