According to the National Crime Prevention Council, renters are 85 percent more likely to be burglarized than single-family homes. When in a complex, burglars can roam the hallways undetected since most people don’t know every one of their neighbors.
It’s essential to create a safe environment and increase your apartment safety, and yes, it’s possible to do it after you’ve moved in.
We’ve come up with a few upgrades to add security to your apartment to keep you and your family safe and sound.
How can I make my apartment more secure?
Renters often have limited security options as the property manager usually controls the look and feel of the complex. However, there are a few options to enhance your apartment security, including outdoor lighting and security systems.
1. Review your building’s lighting
While your property manager is in charge of the complex, maintenance may not know that there are dark spots in the hallways or that a few bulbs went out.
Speaking up and letting your apartment property manager know that you feel unsafe in certain areas due to the lack of lighting is vital for the residents’ safety. Think about hallways, parking lots, storage rooms, stairwells, mailrooms and other common areas.
Take notes and bring it up with management to improve the apartment safety in the area. While you’re at it, ask management how often keys and key codes are changed across the complex.
2. Purchase a security system
You don’t need a contract, a landline or a clunky security system that needs to be drilled onto the wall to set up a security system these days. Now, you can purchase an easy-to-install security system like SimpliSafe. You can install it in a few steps without a contract, and it won’t ruin your walls — plus, it’s affordable.
Once you set it up, make sure that only a select few have access to the passcode. The more people who have it, the less secure your apartment is.
Best part? You get to take it with you when you move out. It’s easy to detach from the wall along with the door and window sensors.
3. Add locks to your door
One straightforward way to increase your apartment security is to add more locks to your front door. You probably have some combination of locks already — most likely a deadbolt and locking doorknob.
If you’re looking for more advanced security in your apartment, consider adding new locks and upgrading your existing. Add a swing lock, use a portable lock or upgrade your current deadbolt to a smart lock.
As always, before doing anything, consult with your property manager. If they don’t approve of it at first due to cost, offer to pay it out of pocket to increase your apartment security.
4. Cover your windows
This may seem obvious, but many renters forget to install curtains or close the blinds when they first move in. Burglars may be walking through the parking lot, looking to see your valuables. Keep your blinds closed when you aren’t home and after it gets dark.
If you want to go beyond blinds, add window sensors that detect when the windows are tampered with or glass breaks. Make sure to trim any bushes that stand in front of the windows if you’re on the first floor.
5. Secure sliding doors
Perhaps one of the easiest ways for apartments to be broken into is through a sliding door on a balcony, if your unit is on the first floor. They’re very common and, even when locked, are very easy to break.
Place a bar in the track of the door to stop the door from opening from the outside. They sell them in different sizes at your local home improvement store. You can also place a small camera in your balcony to track any movement or add an extra lock for another layer of apartment security.
6. Ask if security cameras are allowed
Just like security systems, cameras have come a long way. They’re now quick to install, and subscriptions are also much more affordable than in years past. If you don’t want to install a security system, many standalone security cameras send the video feed to your phone.
A few options like the Nest Cam and the Ring doorbell can give you visibility on someone who is outside your door in the middle of the night, for example. Just make sure your apartment complex agrees to the additional surveillance before installing anything.
7. Get renters insurance
Renters insurance protects your finances more than your safety, but in the case of a harmful incident, you won’t have to worry about your losses. Renters insurance doesn’t cover all types of damage, but most policies will cover the loss of belongings due to theft.
Renters insurance may even protect a portion of the losses you incur because of theft outside of your apartment — say your bike was stolen from a public rack or some expensive jewelry was taken from a hotel during a business trip. It’s always a good investment, just make sure you read your policy.
Staying safe at home
While an apartment complex full of people may feel safer than a standalone house, burglaries still happen due to lack of well-lit areas and maintenance of the grounds. If possible, before you move in, skip the ground-floor unit in favor of a higher floor.
Fortunately, you still have a few options to improve your apartment safety by speaking up on repairs and outdoor lighting and installing security measures within your unit.
And of course, meet your neighbors. Getting to know those a few doors over and establishing a good relationship with them will help when you’re away. They can keep an eye out for you — and you can do the same for them.
