Did you know that you should have a Safety checklist in place for your apartment? Fret not: This page covers what you should know about optimal home safety. Read on to learn practical tips for keeping your Apartment safe and secure from the time you first tour the apartment to when you're either moving in or enjoying your new place.

Top tips for ensuring safety in your apartment

The real estate industry is booming. But while many aspire to become homeowners, only a few can invest in residential properties. Many have no choice but to reside in apartments and pay for rent or opt for rent-to-own home options.

Take it from Statista: The U.S. apartment rental market was worth $255.3 billion in 2021 and $253.4 billion in 2022, projected to hit $251.1 billion this year. Property owners continue to cater to the housing needs of renters.

But when renting and living in an apartment, safety should always be on top of mind. Not only should you secure your valuables, but you should also protect the lives of the entire household. Note that home safety also translates to comfort and happiness.

That said, consider the home safety tips below before moving in, when doing so or while living in an apartment.

Before moving in

Ask the right questions and observe all the important details even before making the move.

1. Check the apartment itself

Checking the apartment is imperative before moving in. It would help if you considered various factors even when you're still looking for one. For example, why not rent a senior apartment if you're living with older household members?

But when examining the apartment, keep home safety in mind. Here's what to inspect during the apartment tour:

• Check the doors and windows. You should ensure they aren't vulnerable to burglars and intruders.

• Examine the plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems. The goal is to ensure they don't pose safety hazards at home.

2. Observe the area

Ryan Zomorodi, Co-Founder and COO of RealEstateSkills.com, suggests studying the location. "When looking for an apartment, you don't only examine the property itself; you also observe the surroundings. You want to ensure living in a safe and friendly neighborhood."

As such, Zomorodi recommends taking the following steps before moving in:

• Check the neighborhood. Walk around to get the feel of the surroundings.

• Meet potential neighbors. If possible, pursue a conversation with some of them.

• See if it's a disaster-free zone. Ideally, the area shouldn't be prone to natural calamities or disasters.

When moving in

Set up your new abode to be as safe and comforting as possible while moving in.

3. Set a security system in place

Making security a top priority is equally important as getting the best mattress for sound sleep. So, upon moving in, prioritize installing a security system. That is, if you have the financial means to invest in security tools and devices.

To set up your home security systems, here are a few recommendations:

• Have a wireless alarm system. This system should sound an alarm if intruders invade your house at night.

• Put sensors in your doors and windows. Both are entry points that you must completely secure.

• Install cameras on your front and back patio. Review the videos once in a while to stop potential burglary. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you have these as proof.

4. Update your doors and windows

Doors and windows are the entry points in your apartment. Unauthorized personnel can get into your house through these points. So, before moving in, consider securing your doors and windows.

If you think these entry points are vulnerable, contact local service providers for real estate to perform upgrades. Here's what to consider:

• Doors: Update your door locks with robust tools and materials. If not, install a door security bar to reinforce your security.

• Windows: Install windows that come with a pair of locks. Ensure these locks are in top shape and working conditions. If not, repair or replace them altogether.

5. Repair your home systems

Sure, the property owner is responsible for the apartment repair before renting out the place. However, it's best to fix and upgrade various systems to meet your safety requirements and comfort needs. That said, prioritize the following:

• The plumbing system ensures your water supply distribution and the proper wastewater disposal. Make sure it doesn't pose health threats and safety hazards.

• The electrical system powers your entire apartment and the appliances. Ensure it won't cause a fire outbreak and put your life at risk.

• The HVAC system regulates the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit of your apartment. Stay on top of it so it doesn't compromise your safety.

When living in the apartment

Ensure your home is safe and sound for you and your family.

6. Regulate the use of keys

When moving in, the property owner hands over duplicate apartment keys. Of course, they serve as access to your home. However, it's best to regulate who holds the key. That way, you can control who goes in and out of your apartment.

Below are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ask the homeowner if they are the only ones with access.
• See if the previous tenants have returned the keys.
• Provide duplicate keys only to your housemates.
• Keep the keys with you or your housemates all the time.

7. Use curtains to prevent people from peeking

Did you know that you hang curtains not only for aesthetics? For all you know, you can use them to promote safety at home. Of course, they prevent passersby from prying into your apartment.

Keep in mind that there's a right way to hang your curtains. Strategize on how you'd go about positioning your drapes.

You can open your windows and curtains at a particular time of the day. That is to allow sunlight and fresh air into your home. However, ensure it doesn't pave the way for people to spy on your apartment.

8. Inspect, maintain and repair your systems

Tom Nolan, Founder of All Star Home, recommends regular property upkeep. "You should stay on top of your apartment's maintenance regularly. That is to maintain its structural integrity and prevent safety and health hazards."

Nolan recommends the following measures:

• Inspection: Examine various parts of your house regularly. Are the toilets slippery? Are the electrical wirings wearing off? Are there growing molds and mildew in the kitchen?

• Maintenance: No, you don't just clean your apartment regularly. You must also maintain various systems, from plumbing to electrical to HVAC. Warning: Neglecting them can cause safety risks at home.

• Repair: If you find minor issues in your apartment, fix them immediately or hire professionals to do the job for you. That way, they won't escalate into major problems that can threaten lives at home.

9. Keep valuables in a safe

As an apartment renter, you try to stay on top of your finances. You check your household income for social security, taxes, insurance and other expenditures. But you want to ensure that you consistently pay your rent on time.

However, nothing can be more frustrating than your valuables getting stolen at home. So what better way to do than invest in a safe to store all your valuables? Here are some items you can keep in a vault:

• Cash
• Jewelry
• Heirlooms
• Pertinent documents
• Other valuables

10. Lock your doors and windows when out

As a property renter, you should be responsible for ensuring home safety. As such, make it a habit to lock your entry points when leaving the house. This is especially true if you're living alone in your apartment.

However, if you're sharing your space with others, remind all your housemates to do the same. Even if you're off to sleep, lock all doors and windows. The last thing you want to happen is to become a victim of burglary just because you forgot to do so.

11. Set contingency plans for emergencies

Disaster safety for apartment renters is imperative. But no matter how you try to stay on top of it, emergencies can strike anytime. Therefore, you should set contingency plans in place.

• Crimes: In case of emergency crimes, know what steps to take and whom to contact.

• Burglary: While prevention is still the best measure, plan how to act during such a case or what to do after like incident reporting.

• Flood: Ensure you have an elevated space in the neighborhood. Also, monitor the weather if there's a storm in your area. Lastly, evacuate your place as soon as possible if there's a heavy downpour.

• Fire: One thing you must ensure is to have a fire exit in your apartment. Likewise, learn some safety measures like putting off a fire using a fire extinguisher and blowing out your candles when you leave a room.

12. Consider getting insurance

Renter's insurance is precisely what it sounds like — protection for people renting an apartment, house or condo.

Also known as the tenant's or apartment insurance, it secures your personal belongings and covers things like repair costs, medical payments and additional living expenses in case of incidents.

Anthony Martin, Founder and CEO of Choice Mutual, recommends getting a renter's insurance. "As an apartment tenant, you want to foster home safety at all times. However, one thing you must consider is financial protection. Getting insurance is key!"

Home, safe home

Home safety is always a top priority. When renting an apartment, focus on this before considering the aesthetics, amenities and other factors.

That said, consider the home safety tips recommended above. Before and when moving into an apartment, follow the practical steps laid out above. And while living in an apartment, always stay on top of your safety and security.

At the end of the day, you want to go home in a safe space, eat a hearty meal with your loved ones and have a sound sleep! Still looking for a safe, comfortable home? Check out our houses and apartments for rent.

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