The security guide for apartment renters

As an apartment renter your security concerns are different, you live very close to other people and there is probably a lot of foot traffic in and out of your complex, these could mean your apartment could have a higher risk of being burgled.

Before you decide on your new home, it is important to think about security, consider these tips and suggestions for keeping your apartment safe after you've signed the lease.

- Research Local Crime -

Before you decide you've found your dream home always check the local crime rate in the area, make sure you know about any burglaries or other criminal activities before you commit to a lease. Talk to the previous tenant, landlord or neighbours to get an honest picture.

- Test Lighting -

Burglars prefer to sneak around in the dark, so when choosing an apartment check the entrances, hallways, parking areas, laundry room etc. to make sure there is enough lighting at night, the more light the safer you’ll be.

- Observe General Upkeep - 

Take a general look at the place, are there any broken windows, cracked walls or is the garden overgrown? Chances are if the landlord isn’t bothered about basic maintenance, they won’t be bothered about security.

- Check Apartment Entrances - 

Many times in an apartment complex the door or gate will require a code, key or buzz-in to get inside, when choosing a place always consider these things first, this way you can control who comes to your door reducing break-ins and criminal activities.

- Get New Door Locks -

Replacing your door locks can prevent unwanted persons from being able to access your place, many landlords say they’ve replaced the locks, but they don’t and the previous tenant’s keys are not always returned. Don’t take the risk of previous tenants coming back to your apartment with an old key.

 - Examine Window Locks - 

When viewing an apartment, always examine the window locks, especially if the apartment is on the ground level. Check and make sure the window locks are working properly and cannot be manipulated from the outside.

When you’re renting an apartment you need to take your safety and security into your own hands, work with your landlord to make sure your residence is secure, don’t let them dictate the safety of your apartment.

For professional security services, contact SIS – Security Investigation Services, they specialize in all facets of investigation and offer quality property security solutions to residential and corporate markets.

Written By: Christine Romans