The Apartment Security Checklist

Before renting, you should make sure you're moving into a secure area. Here are a few things to check for:

  • All the parking lots/garages, sidewalks, stairs, laundry facilities, hallways, and entrances should be well-lit 24 hours a day.
  • If apartment doors open to an interior hallway, the building should have a secure admittance system that requires a key or code to enter. 
  • If doors open to the exterior of the building, your door should have both deadbolt and lock; the lock should have been changed after the last tenant left.
  • Make sure fire escapes are above the ground floor--so you can leave but others can't enter--and locked from inside.
  • Mailboxes should be in a well-lit area and have quality locks to permit mail theft.
  • Ensure the landlord has a good reputation for fixing maintenance problems quickly, especially burned out lights (shadows provide places for criminals to hide).
Also, make sure you have renter's insurance to protect your belongings! You can get quotes online from folks like Netquote.com.



Source: The Personal Security Handbook

Related: Home Security: Apartments & Condos