Apartment Safety Tips
June 16, 2009 – 9:57 pm
When you live in an apartment complex, you never know who might be living next to you and what type of people your neighbors befriend. Although your landlord should have security measures in place, it’s your job to double check them and make sure your apartment is as safe as it can be.
It’s okay to be picky when choosing an apartment, and if you’re looking for a safe place to raise your children while you save money for a house, do some comparison shopping. Even though an apartment complex might be cheap, living in a duplex will limit the amount of people who live around you. With duplexes and triplexes, you have a chance to get to know your neighbors. Although different people might come and go, you have more of an opportunity to keep your eye on potential troublemakers.
It’s also beneficial to get to know your neighborhood too. Search online (local newspaper’s website) or contact the local police department to find out the crime rate. Regardless of how beautiful the apartments appear, there could be problems with drugs or gangs in the neighborhood.
Making a quick move can cause you to forget things, but it’s worthwhile to go through the apartment and check the locks on all the doors and windows. If there is a balcony, check that door too. If the locks have not been updated on the sliding glass door, it’s possible that they might not work properly. Don’t agree to rent it unless the landlord repairs the locks before you move.
You should also assess the security measures that the landlord has setup. For example, find out when the parking lot cameras record, because they might not have night vision. Also, determine the safety of the main doors. Is an intercom system installed and do the doors lock automatically behind you? Lastly, find out if there are any outdoor lights in the parking lot, near the door and inside the main entryway.
Lastly, consider the escape route options you have in each apartment. If you prefer living on the second floor or higher because of the balcony, are you going to be able to get down if your doorway is compromised? What if a fire breaks out in the next apartment and spreads to yours?
Living in an apartment can be a risky environment, especially when a variety of people are residing in the same area. You never know who might have a key to open the main door, so it’s wise to scope out the area first as well as assess the apartment you’re thinking about renting.
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Tags: apartment complex, apartment crime rate, apartment safety tips, duplex, security measures, triplex