Everything You Need to Know About Apartment Safety

When hunting for an apartment to rent, there are plenty of factors you need to weigh in. The location and the price of the rent are arguably the two things that come to mind. But don’t overlook apartment security. After all, security of an apartment will impact your peace of mind. You don’t want to live in a place where crime is a common occurrence, right?

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the things to consider in determining whether an apartment is safe or not. Moreover, we will give you some pointers on how to keep your place safe before and after moving in.

Four Factors That Can Affect Apartment Security

How would you know that an apartment is secure enough for you? Here are four things that you need to do some research on:

Local Crime

You can pull up data on the crime history in the area where you plan to move into on websites such as CrimeReports.com. You may also talk to people in the area. The chances are high they’ve been in the neighborhood long enough to know how safe or unsafe the community is.

Neighboring cities

Once you’ve determined how safe the area you plan to move into is, it is a good idea to drive around and check out the communities in the neighboring cities. The neighborhood where you plan to move in may be safe but can you also say the same about the neighboring communities? You can also check out the crime situation by logging on to sites like StreetAdvisor.

Neighborhood activity

Since you’re driving around the area, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the day and night activity in the place where you plan to move in. Take note of the type of people who frequent the area. If you’re driving at night, check if the streets are well-lit. Check, too, if the streets are busy at night. All these things can be indicative of the safety in the neighborhood where you plan to move in.

Security Tips Before Moving In

Now, let’s say that you’ve decided on the place. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind and do before you officially sign the lease and move in:

1. Ensure the entrances are secure

Check the entrances first before moving in. Entrances should have locks to keep you and your family safe, and prevent intruders from getting in.

If possible, get new locks on the door. You never know if past residents have copied their keys and perhaps distributed these to other people during their stay. Your landlord may assure you that they have replaced the locks but why trust him or her? Instead, ask that the locks be replaced with brand new ones to prevent somebody from entering your place with an old key.

2. Get acquainted with the fire exits

During an emergency, you have a limited time to react. It is thus important that you are familiar with the fire exits and safe pathways so you and your family can safely exit the apartment.

3. Ensure that the window locks are working

Thieves may be able to enter your place through a window with an improperly functioning lock so check that the window locks are functioning properly.

4. Check the lighting

A poorly lit area not only makes you feel unsafe at night but also acts like a magnet for burglars. Obviously, intruders will feel more confident to break into your home when there is insufficient lighting. Before committing, check that the apartment as well-lit entrances, walkways, elevators, hallways, and other possible entry points.

5. Check or replace the peephole

Your apartment will likely have a peephole that lets you see who’s knocking at the door. If there’s none, ask the landlord if it is possible to have a smart doorbell cam installed outside the unit. It is a more convenient way to check who’s visiting you because you can check the camera recording through a smartphone.

Things to Do After Moving In

Don’t rest on your laurels after moving in. In fact, you have to be more cautious when you move in to ensure safety for you and your loved ones. Here are some pointers to remember after you move into a new apartment:

1. Buy insurance

Many apartments today require their renters to buy insurance. Whether your landlord requires you or not, it would be a wise idea to get one as it can protect you in case of theft or even when your things are damaged after a calamity.

2. Install a home security system

Installing a home security system is one of the best ways to secure your apartment. Having one at home will allow you to monitor what’s happening in your apartment when you are at work or on a holiday. It can also deter burglars from breaking into your home. And in the event that an intruder manages to get inside your home, you can act fast and contact the authorities. You may also record video clips of the event to help investigators in catching the criminal.

3. Invest in a safe

Having a fireproof safe at home can also secure your valuable items. Safes come in different sizes and features. Find a safe that’s right for your needs and budget. Sure, a safe won’t deter burglars from breaking into your home but it can significantly reduce the chances of them stealing your valuables.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that security should be one of the major considerations when choosing an apartment. Make sure you do enough research on the community you are considering to move in.

And don’t simply take the word of the landlord for it—take personal steps to ensure the safety of your apartment when you have moved in. By doing so, you will be able to have peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your home.