10 Security Tips To Use When Searching For An Apartment

10 Security Tips To Use When Searching For An Apartment

Apartment dwelling has its positives and negatives, just like any living situation. For some, it is the best way to go on a tight budget and some people like living in close quarters with other people. It gives them a sense of security, especially women living alone. However, living in an apartment has its risks. In a way, you are moving into a close-knit community of people you know nothing about. So, if you have the time to tour several apartment complexes before you move into any specific one, check into a few of the security measures of each.1. If you had to fill out an application for a specific apartment, would the apartment manager do a background check on you? If the answer is yes, see if this is a regular practice for all of their tenants. This is a simple way for the manager to find out if anyone applying for an apartment has a history of criminal activity, is a convicted sexual predator or anything else that would red flag him or her. Without background checks, you won't know if you are moving into an apartment complex inhabited by a drug addict or convicted burglar or worse.2. Ask the apartment manager if the locks are changed or re-keyed after a tenant has moved out. This would prevent a past renter from breaking into his "old" home, either to rob or assault you. It is too easy to have a duplicate key made and not return it to the landlord when they move out.3. As you are shown around the apartment complex, notice whether or not the windows on the lower levels are protected by bars that can't be opened from the outside of the apartment. This would keep anyone from climbing through a window.4. Ask the manager if each apartment has some kind of alarm system. If the answer is no, would they be willing to install one or allow you to install an alarm system yourself?5. Pay attention to the lighting in all areas in and around the apartment. Outside lights may not be noticeable during daylight hours, so you may want to ask the manager about this. Also, while in the hallway, notice if there are mirrors installed in the ceiling that let you see around the corners as you get to them. This will prevent you being surprised by a potential assailant lurking around a corner.6. Ask the manager if the residents are cautious about keeping strangers out, if it is one with a locked front door. Does the manager stress the importance of this rule to his tenants? It may seem rude not to allow someone in who looks to be harmless, but even the worst criminal can be polite and manipulative to gain entrance.7. Does each entry door have a peephole no higher than 58 inches? Is there a cover on the inside of the peephole to stop anyone from being able to look in through it? The best peephole is one that has a wide angle of 160 degrees.8. Ask the manager if a community watch program has been set up in the building. This would help create a safer, more secure environment, with tenants watching out for each other, taking turns walking the complex property, calling in any crime or suspicious activities to the police.9. Ask if dogs are allowed to live in the apartment complex. Dogs are a great deterrent to criminal activity. If your lifestyle allows it, you might want to consider adopting a small dog for companionship and give you some protection as long as you can fit it into your schedule for training and exercise.10. Notice the parking arrangement for the tenants. Will you have to park a long way from your apartment and is there plenty of good lighting there? Is there a parking garage with someone always on duty? If you do have to park in an unattended parking area, it would be a good idea to own a small canister of pepper spray or even a stun gun and have it ready in your hand when walking in any unlit,unsupervised area.These are ten essential things to observe when searching for a safe apartment to move into. Making a list is a good habit to get into and even add to it as you think of other safety precautions before picking out that apartment that is right for you. Always remember to put your safety first when looking for that perfect place to call home.

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