One of the biggest draws to apartment living is safety. Most apartment buildings have helpful security features like gated entrances, surveillance cameras, and on-site management. However, that doesn’t mean tenants shouldn’t take their own safety precautions as well.
Protecting yourself, your roommates, and your belongings is important when living in an apartment. In this article, we’ll offer our best apartment safety tips to help you stay safe and secure in your new home. Here’s an overview of what we’ll cover:
- Apartment safety tips for before you move in
- How to prioritize in-unit safety during your lease
- Measures to take when you move out
Before You Move In
Before you move in, or ideally before you sign a lease, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of your new apartment. Follow our recommendations below to ensure peace of mind before the unpacking even starts.
Evaluate building security
Your security assessment should start with the building itself. As mentioned earlier, most modern apartment buildings have state-of-the-art security features, ranging from surveillance cameras to even on-site security. Assuming you get the chance to tour the building along with your unit, take note of what you see and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some key areas to pay attention to include:
- Building entry points: Are there controlled entrances/exits? How are they monitored?
- Parking garages: Is there a designated entrance for residents? Is it secure?
- Security system: Are there security cameras on the premises? Where are they located, and how often are they monitored?
- On-site security staff: Do they work around the clock or only during certain hours? How can you contact them?
Research the neighborhood
Next, you should research the neighborhood. Even if the building itself is secure, that doesn’t mean its surroundings are. So, try to get some insight into the area. Look into crime rates and any recent incidents that may have occurred nearby. Consider factors like foot traffic, street lighting, and accessibility to emergency services. If someone in your circle lives or has lived in the area, ask them if they’ve felt safe and if they would recommend it. Doing so will give you an idea of the potential risks and help you take the right safety precautions.
Meet your neighbors
Lastly, try to meet your neighbors before move-in day. Not only is this a great way to introduce yourself and build rapport, but it also gives you an idea of who lives nearby. Knowing there’s a friendly face right next door might make you feel more comfortable in new surroundings. Plus, you can also ask them questions about their experience in the building or neighborhood. They may have valuable insights or tips on how to stay safe in the area.
Apartment Safety Tips for After Move-In
As you get settled in your new place, there are additional steps you can take to ensure comfort and safety. From implementing personal security devices to learning about emergency preparedness, here are a few apartment safety tips to follow throughout your lease:
Double-check apartment features
One of the first things you should do on move-in day is double-check your unit’s safety features. Ensure all locks on doors and windows are functioning properly. Check to see that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working. If something is broken or missing, alert your landlord or property manager immediately. Usually, these things will be taken care of as the building prepares your unit for move-in, but there’s always a chance something fell through the cracks.
Implement Smart technology
Smart technology is great for in-unit security. From smart locks to door sensors, there are many devices on the market that can help monitor your space and prevent potential intrusions. For example, you might install a Ring camera to surveil your front door and send alerts about guest arrivals. These devices are usually easy to install, reasonably priced, and extremely useful for in-unit safety.
Protect your valuables
Another thing to do upon moving in is to secure your valuables. This includes everything from expensive jewelry to important documents like your passport or birth certificate. Put these items in a safe and secure place. You may even consider investing in a safe or lockbox. If you’re living with roommates, make sure everyone is on the same page about how to secure valuables and who has access to them.
Get renters insurance
Renters insurance is a great safety net for apartment goers. Many buildings require tenants to take out a renters insurance policy, but if yours doesn’t, it’s definitely worth considering. Renters insurance provides property and liability protection in case of injury, theft, property damage, etc. Plans are generally inexpensive and are worth investing in for peace of mind.
Have an emergency plan
Having an emergency plan in place is important for apartment living. In case of a fire, power outage, natural disaster, or other emergencies, you should know what to do and where to go. This means familiarizing yourself with the building’s map, especially if an emergency exists. It also means knowing what to bring with you in case of evacuation and who to contact.
Use common areas cautiously
If your building has common areas like a pool, fitness center, or study lounge, be smart when using them. Don’t leave personal belongings unattended, take caution when using equipment, and always follow community rules and guidelines. These spaces are for everyone, so be mindful of your surroundings and treat the area with respect to ensure an enjoyable experience for all residents.
When You Move Out
When it comes time to move out of your apartment, there are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Use the tips below during your move-out process to keep things running safely and smoothly.
Turn in your keys
On move-out day, make sure to return all your keys and access cards to the appropriate parties. Don’t leave them behind with a roommate or friend. Instead, turn them in directly to ensure they don’t fall into the wrong hands and jeopardize community safety.
Don’t leave behind personal belongings or information
Along with your keys, don’t leave behind any personal belongings or important information when moving out. This includes spare keys, mail, or any documents with personal information on them. Check all drawers, cabinets, and other nooks and crannies of your apartment to ensure nothing important is left behind.
Leave on good terms with neighbors
Last but not least, make an effort to leave on good terms with neighbors and building management. This means following all move-out procedures, cleaning up properly, and leaving the apartment in good condition. Say goodbye to your neighbors, thank them for being great neighbors, and inform them of your departure. Ending things on a positive note will ensure a smooth and safe transition. Plus, it may land you a recommendation from a landlord or building manager when applying to future rental properties.
Ace Apartment Living with ForRent.com
Apartment living can be hard to navigate, especially when it comes to safety. However, by following our apartment security tips before, during, and after your lease, you can maintain peace of mind and feel more secure in your home.
If you have additional questions about apartment living, make sure to check ForRent’s other renter resources. Whether you need help decorating your place, finding a roommate, or aiding your apartment hunt, ForRent.com has you covered every step of the way!
FAQ
How do I make my apartment safe?
To make your apartment safe, there are several steps you can take. Before moving in, evaluate building security and research the neighborhood. After move-in, double-check apartment safety features, implement smart technology, protect valuables, get renters insurance, and have an emergency plan in place. When moving out, turn in keys and access cards directly to appropriate parties, don’t leave behind personal belongings or information, and leave on good terms with neighbors.
How can you be safe living alone in an apartment?
To be safe while living alone in an apartment, make sure to always keep your doors and windows locked, have a plan for guests or maintenance workers entering your apartment, and trust your instincts if you feel unsafe in any situation.
Can I sue my apartment community for safety issues?
Yes, if the community fails to address known safety hazards or breaches their duty of care, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Consult a legal professional for specific advice on your situation.