Apartment Security Tips

We all believe that there is safety in numbers. That is not always the case, though, when it comes to living in rented apartments. In fact, apartments are 85% more at risk of getting burgled than single-family homes. That’s according to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) statistics.

There are several reasons why burglars target apartments. One of those reasons is that is easy for burglars to move around an apartment building. If anyone sees a stranger in an apartment block, they won’t think that it is suspicious. The will assumes that the stranger is another tenant, or someone visiting a tenant.

The other reason that apartments get burgled is that tenants become complacent. They think that the doors at the entrance to the apartment block will keep all the bad guys out. If you have ever held the Door open for someone as you enter a building, you know how untrue that is.

So, you shouldn’t rely on your landlord to make all the security arrangements for you. You must take your own precautions to prevent your rental apartment getting burgled. Here are our top Apartment Security Tips for renters.

1. Always Keep Your Apartment Door Locked

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your apartment block is secure. It’s very easy for a thief to talk their way into a building. Once they are in, it is likely that they will be able to walk around unchallenged. So, always lock your apartment door when you go out. Even if you are only going to visit a neighbor for five minutes.

2. Help to Keep Strangers Out

Don’t be the person who lets a thief into the building. If someone you don’t know follows you through the entrance to your building, challenge them. Ask them who they are and who they are to see. If you are not convinced that they should be in the building, refuse them access. Also, don’t buzz people in when they call you on the intercom without checking who they are.

3. Always Use the peephole Before You Open the Door

Always check through the peephole who is at the door before you open it. Even if you are expecting a visitor. If there is no peephole in your door, ask your landlord to fit one. You might also want to consider installing a wireless video doorbell.

4. Get to Know Your Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors will make any type of neighborhood safer. It’s more important in apartment blocks than it is any other type of property. If you know who your neighbors are, it will make spotting intruders much easier. You can watch out for your neighbors and keep an eye on each other’s apartment. You could start the ball rolling by inviting your neighbors around for a drinks party.

5. Install a Security System

If you don’t have a security system in your apartment, install one. There may be restrictions on the type of alarm that you can install in a rental apartment. Even so, you will be able to install a wireless burglar alarm system. Wireless systems don’t need fixing to the walls or wiring in, so your landlord can’t object to you having one.

6. Report Suspicious Behavior

If you see someone suspicious in your apartment building, report it. Watch out too for people loitering outside the building. Thieves will often pretend to be utility workers or maintenance staff. They do that to gain access to a building. So, always insist on seeing ID before you let anyone in. And, if in doubt, call the utility company or your landlord before you let any workers in.

7. Secure Windows

Always lock your windows, especially if you live on the ground floor. For extra security, you can install wireless window entry alarms. They will alert you and your neighbors if someone attempts to gain access to your apartment through a window.

8. Don’t Share Too Much on Social Media

If you go on vacation, don’t share photos of your trip on social media. You may want to let everyone know that you are having a great time, but you will be telling the world that you are not at home.

It is a good idea, though, to tell a trusted neighbor when your apartment will be empty. Then, if your neighbor hears someone in your apartment when you are not there, they can alert the police for you.

9. Install Extra Locks

If the terms of your rental agreement allow it, install a deadlock on your door and fit a security chain. If you cannot make any alterations, you can purchase extra apartment door locks that fit under the door or into the door strike.

10. Report Defective Locks, Doors, and Windows

Don’t take no as an answer from your landlord when it comes to your safety. Always report defective doors, locks, and widows and insist that repairs get done. No decent landlord will take risks with their tenants’ security. Even so, they can’t fix it if you don’t tell them about it!

Conclusion

Many thanks for reading our apartment security tips. We hope they have given some new ideas. If you live alone, you may also be interested in our safety tips for people who live on their own. If you did like this post, please do share it on your social media accounts.

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Thanks again for visiting our site. We appreciate it. Have a great day and stay safe!

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