Homes are not the only place that require security. While condominiums may have a security guard sitting in the lobby, this is not enough. There is a need for home security within the apartment building as well. Without this, the residents of the apartment complex are not nearly as secure as they should be.
When in the process of renting and getting the lease signed, check that the grounds offer security fencing, adequate lighting,security cameras etc. As a renter you may not be able to implement many types of security upgrades, as the common areas are not under your immediate control.
Once you have moved into your new apartment you must immediately change the door locks, If money is an issue, simply ask the building management to swap your lock set with another from an empty unit in the building. This will cost no money, and should take the installer very little time to do.
If you are moving into a building in the not so safe part of town, a bump-proof deadbolt door lock will have to be a mandatory investment. If you are renting make sure to get the go ahead from building management before doing this.
When dealing with unknown visitors, make a habit of using your peephole, or video intercom, before letting anyone into your building or apartment. If it is a uniformed worker, ask to see identification,do not let a uniform fool you, these can be easily stolen. When in doubt call the main office ,or dispatcher and ask for the name of the person assigned to your address.
When you are at home ,always lock your front door. many times we leave our doors unlocked because a spouse or child will be arriving home shortly,this a mistake. Some criminals look for patterns in their victims, and seeing someone open a front door without producing a key,more than once, is all it will take to make you, and your home a sad statistic
Ensure that your building has no obvious danger spots. These would be areas with burnt out light bulbs or with little or no lighting. criminals love the dark, because it conceals their identity, what they are doing, and if they plan on attacking you, it gives them the element of surprise. With security lighting you take away these advantages from the criminal.
Be especially vigilant in areas like the laundry room or other low trafficked areas. Get to know who you neighbors are and keep an eye out for any people that are behaving suspiciously, or may not be residents of the building.
Renters and owners alike can benefit from home security alarm systems. Portable window and door alarms are quite popular. Wireless systems are great as these can be taken with you when you move. These wireless alarms are also great because in most cases they can be installed without permission from your buildings management.
Windows should always be locked when you are not at home. This rule can be relaxed if you live on the upper floors in building. Have you ever noticed that balconies are almost always aligned one over the other, well guess what,so have some burglars. Always lock your sliding balcony door,when you are not at home,and secure it with a security bar.While your front door may be super secure, with a hundred dollar bump proof lock, that may not be the case for your neighbors above you or below you. Criminals have been known to break into the apartment directly above or below their intended victim, and use the patio as a access point into the unit.
Your whole name should not be put on the door or the mailbox. Just surname and initial will suffice, this way if you are a single woman, strangers will not know this.
Even though you may only be renting you still have valuable property in your apartment so taking out renters insurance would be a wise thing to do. By searching on line and getting quotes from various, companies you can find some very inexpensive rates.
We would all love to live in a ultra secure building where all crime stops just outside your front door. But what usually passes for security in most apartment buildings, is a security camera covering the front door, a video intercom system, and if you are lucky a bored security guard in the lobby.
The most important action you can take to secure your building would be to getting to know your neighbors. Once you know who belongs,strangers can be quickly weeded out and preventative action taken. The importance of being proactive when it comes to home security as a renter can never be overstated.
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