Apartment security tips

Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to live. Fortunately, there are several things you can do on your own to secure your apartment.

How to secure your apartment

Even though your living space might not be huge, your possessions and furnishings can still be quite valuable. Here are some apartment safety tips to help you protect yourself and your belongings.

Check the doors

Make sure that your door locks are in working order. If you use a key code to get into your apartment, verify with management that they have changed the code since the previous occupant lived there. You may even consider adding a chain lock to your door – ensure you get permission from your landlord first.

If your building or complex has a common entrance, examine it for wear or weak spots. If you notice something amiss, notify the property manager – it’s in their interest to maintain security for apartment doors, too.

If you have an external door to a patio or balcony or an outside closet, don’t overlook it. These doors may not have the same locking system as your main door and could be easier to force open. Taking the time to ensure these doors securely lock can help you secure your apartment from burglary.

Look at your windows

Windows can be a great asset to your living space, providing light, fresh air, and views of your surroundings. But an old or broken window can be an invitation to an intruder. Make sure you fasten your windows’ locks securely. In addition, you can attach inexpensive alarms to windows (and doors) with removable adhesives that can scare away a would-be burglar.

Consider your lights

One tried-and-true security device is also one of the simplest to use: your lights. Keeping a light on can deter people from trying to break in, making it appear that someone is home. You can use many light timer devices, including smart devices that can turn on your lights remotely when you are not at home. Energy-efficient lightbulbs can also make this a cost-effective apartment security device.

Have the right amount of personal property coverage

Even the most thorough security measures can fail, and if you’re a victim of a burglary, personal property coverage on your renters insurance policy may pay to replace stolen items—up to the limits of your policy. You can determine how much personal property coverage you need by creating a home inventory of everything you own.

What are the best apartment security devices?

In addition to providing real-time video of an interior or exterior area of an apartment building, apartment security cameras can act as a deterrent simply by being visible. Newer apartment buildings and complexes often are designed to be camera-ready and may have professional monitoring in place, either on-site or at a remote location.

Technology has also made it easy for individuals to set up security systems, especially in relatively small living spaces such as apartments. There are many DIY choices for setting up cameras inside your apartment that allow you to view a live feed on your computer and mobile device.

You can also opt for a system installed by a security company with professional monitoring. These systems often cost more to set up and could require a monthly fee as part of a monitoring service. You also might not be able to use some of the features, such as remote door locks, if your landlord or property manager doesn’t permit them.

How else can you protect your apartment?

Don’t take for granted that safety devices in your apartment, such as smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, are working. Check them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. If the devices seem to be faulty, talk with building management or your landlord to repair or replace them. Learn more about how to test smoke detectors.

There are always circumstances that you can’t anticipate, but these apartment safety tips can help you feel more at ease in your surroundings.