If you’re looking to move into a new apartment or you already call a condo home, it’s important to make sure that it is safe and secure. Just because you may not own your own home, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your apartment or condo safe for you and your family.

If you are looking for an apartment and haven’t moved in yet, begin by check the area surrounding the apartments you’re viewing for crime rates and registered sex offenders living nearby with a free crime map.

Ask Questions

Ask your landlord or leasing agent about the types of doors, windows and landscaping used throughout the property. Find out whether doors are solid core and if landscaping is regularly maintained to help reduce potential hiding spots for criminals.

Make sure your unit has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. Apartments in many states throughout the country are required by law to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each and every unit. If your unit does not already have a smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, install them immediately, they’re inexpensive and fairly easily installed. Remember to change the batteries in your detectors once a year and make sure to contact your landlord to discuss the issue.

Lighting, Locks and Looking Out for Others

Apartment complexes should always be well-lit. If you notice broken lights or dark paths on a property, this should be cause for concern—think twice about signing a lease for a unit in a complex without adequate lighting.

Lock your doors, including sliding doors at all times. It’s often easy to move from deck to deck in apartment buildings, giving burglars the opportunity to go from unit to unit stealing valuables. For added apartment security, place a metal bar in sliding door tracks when you’re away.

Find out how many people could possibly have keys to your unit and get a new set of locks if necessary. Subleases and renovations are just a couple of ways keys to your apartment could get into wide circulation. Only you, the people who live in your unit and your property manager should have copies of your keys in case of an emergency.

Install a wireless home security system in your unit. A wireless home security system is a non-invasive way to secure your unit. A wireless system works with wireless motion sensors to detect movement in your apartment which activates the alarm system. This type of system is a simple solution to running wires throughout your apartment and wireless sensors just as reliable as traditional wired sensors.

Renters have safety and security rights too. By taking important security precautions and asking questions of your property manager or landlord, you can help make sure your unit and your complex are safe for family, friends and neighbors.

*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.