Enhancing Apartment Security: 7 Essential Tips for Renters

1. Leave a Light on at Night

Leaving a light on, especially in common areas, can create the illusion of occupancy, deterring potential burglars. Consider using timers for lamps or porch lights to maintain this facade even when you're not at home. A well-lit exterior also enhances visibility, making it less appealing for intruders to target your apartment.

2. Lock Windows & Doors

Did you know that around 30% of burglaries happen through unlawful entry? That means burglars are just walking straight through your front door or opening an unlocked window into one of your rooms. That’s why it’s important that you always make sure your doors and windows are locked when leaving the house. If your windows do not have locks, talk with your landlord about getting one installed. Furthermore, investing in door or window sensors can add an additional layer of security to your locks, as they can immediately alert you when a door or window opens. For sliding doors, placing a wooden dowel in the track can prevent forced entry, adding an extra layer of security.

3. Invest in Quality Blinds

Another good way to attract intruders is by displaying all of your valuables near glass windows or doors. However, this can easily be solved by buying quality blinds or thick curtains. Especially if your place is in a congested area, this is a good investment in order to protect your stuff from wandering eyes.

4. Install a Peephole

When looking at apartments, be sure to check the peephole or ask your landlord to install one. A peehole can help you feel more safe in your home by letting you see who’s at your door before answering it. And be smart when answering your door to strangers. Don’t invite them into your apartment unless you were expecting them. Even running to give the pizza delivery guy a tip could give them enough time to swipe something valuable of yours. You can even take it a step further and buy an outdoor security camera and a doorbell camera to see who’s at your door without having to get up.

5. Replace Apartment Door Locks

Unless you’re renting from a brand new apartment complex, chances are your apartment locks will need to be changed from the last tenant. Plus, you don’t know how many of the previous tenants still have keys to your place or additional keys that are floating around from the previous tenants. That’s why you should ask your landlord to replace the door locks with new locks. Often landlords may redistribute an old lock, so it’s important that you ask specifically for a new lock. That way you won’t have any surprises from old tenants. In addition, ask your landlord about installing a deadbolt or chain to your entryway door for ample security.

6. Foster Neighborly Connections

After you’ve settled into your new place, take the time to get to know your neighbors. In addition to building your social circle, they can serve as an additional layer of security. For instance, they can come in handy when you leave town and need someone to keep an eye out on your place, in addition to watering your plants and picking up your mail. They can also be on the lookout for suspicious activity and alert you if necessary. And you can do the same for them.

7. Secure Valuables

Do you have a lot of valuables in your apartment? It may be smart to look into buying a safe for your valuables and priceless items so you can keep better track of them. Price ranges for safes can vary from $30 to $500.

If you don’t need immediate access to these valuables or don’t use them regularly, look into getting a safety deposit box at your local bank. This is a good place to store important documents — social security card, birth certificate, etc. — in addition to your valuables.

By implementing these seven apartment security tips, you can fortify your living space and enhance your overall sense of safety. Don't overlook the importance of security measures, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your belongings within your apartment.

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