According to the National Crime Prevention Council, apartments are 85% more likely to be broken into and burglarized than a single-family home. This number may be startling for many renters who feel safer in their apartments due to the number of people always around. So, how can renters make sure that their apartment truly is safe without investing in an expensive alarm system?
Here are a few ways for renters to feel safer without spending a fortune…
- Doorman: Ensuring apartment safety begins during the search. When looking for a new apartment, choose one that has a 24-hr doorman. This person will serve as the first level of security by monitoring each individual entering and leaving your complex.
- Neighborhood Security Sites: Likewise, before signing a lease, be sure to research the neighborhood in which you will be living. By checking sites like neighborhoodscout.com or citydata.com, you may gain some valuable insight into the safety of that particular neighborhood that could influence your decision to rent there.
- New Lock: After you sign the lease, ask your landlord to replace the current lock on your unit with a new one. This will ensure that the only people with a key to your home are the landlord and those living there. Also, be sure to keep your doors locked AT ALL TIMES. That new lock won’t do much to keep a burglar out when it’s not employed.
- Landlord and Neighbors: Create and maintain good relationships with your landlord and surrounding neighbors. These people can serve as a sort of neighborhood watch by looking out for your apartment and alerting you to any suspicious activity.
- Renters Insurance: Even in the safest building in the best neighborhoods, theft and crime is an unfortunately a reality. Invest in renters insurance and protect yourself from those what-if situations.
If these methods still aren’t enough to help you rest easy, check out SimpliSafe or LaserShield Systems for portable security systems. Have you ever felt unsafe in your apartment? What security methods do you employ in your home?
