11 Apartment and Condo Security Tips

Residential homes are not the only ones prone to burglaries and break-ins. Apartments and condos are also a target of criminals. There are also many people today who live in apartments and condos instead of homes.

So how do apartment and condo renters keep their place safe from burglary crimes?

1. Change the apartment’s locks once you’ve moved in, so that you’ll know that you’ll be the only one with the key to you’re apartment. There might be instances wherein the past residents of the apartment may come back for some stuff they forgot. Friends and relatives of past residents may not know about that they had moved and still have copies of the key to the apartment. New locks will prevent them from getting into the apartment.

2. Make use of a deadbolt lock, too. It might come in handy, especially if you are located in a neighborhood wherein burglary and break-ins are not unheard of. Ask for permission from the landlord first.

3. Don’t just open the door without knowing who it is outside your apartment or condo. It’s convenient if you have a peephole; use it to identify the person or people at your door. Ask for identification from salespeople and delivery services, even when they’re wearing a uniform. Call their company to make sure if you still feel uneasy about them even after seeing their identification.

4. Lock your door always, whether at home or out. Never leave it open for intruders to sneak in.

5. Check the public areas in and around the building --- parking lots, laundry room, etc. If you find them lacking in security, talk to the landlord about it and offer some solution to have more safety for the residents.

6. Get to know your neighbors and the people in the building. Ask for their help in keeping an eye on your apartment when you’re gone, at the same time offer your help in keeping an eye on theirs when they’re gone. Cooperation among you might prove to be helpful in the future.

7. Watch out for suspicious people loitering around your area. They might turn out to be burglars or thieves.

8. There are home security systems that are available for apartments and condos. There are systems that can be easily installed, and there are portable ones.

9. Just like your doors, don’t leave your windows open. Make sure you either place locks and bolts on them or added a detector for protection.

10. Use your last name only, or, if necessary, your first initial and last name only, on your door or mailbox. This way, strangers won’t know your gender and the number of people living in the apartment.

11. Get a renter’s insurance to protect your assets and belongings. Ask your landlord or get quotes from the Internet!

There are really many ways to secure your house. There are people who use appliance timers to make it look lie there’s someone in the apartment when in fact it’s empty. Others make use of door chimes to make sure no one comes in the apartment without them knowing it.

What is important is that you keep a home security habit with you always. Home security systems, devices, timers, and locks are useless if you’re not even going to lock your doors and windows or activate the system. You have to be alert, and you have to be cautious when it comes to strangers looking into your place.

Sean Hattaway has been an advocate of Home Security for years. He provides vital Home Security tips and information online; teaching families how to protect their family and home. Go to Wireless Home Security System for information and tips on home security and safety.