6 apartment security tips for renters

Your home is more likely to be broken into when living in a rental property. Therefore, it is important that you take precautionary measures to protect your home. Unfortunately, tenants have limited options for adding security. So, how can you secure your home in a shared building? Here are a few tips to make your apartment safer.

Meet your neighbours

As a renter, you may not be able to install surveillance cameras outside your apartment. However, you still need an extra set of eyes to look after your apartment when you’re not around. Getting to know your neighbours and creating a positive relationship will not help build a sense of community but will also help improve your home security. Your neighbours can keep an eye out for suspicious activity when you’re not around, reducing the risk of burglary. Therefore, whenever you move into a new apartment building, look for a few people you might like to get to know, strike up a conversation, and start cultivating relationships.

Cover your windows

Burglars shop around for good picking before finally breaking in into a house. To keep your place off their radar, get window treatments for your apartment, whether it’s blinds or curtains, and ensure you keep them shut anytime you’re away and after dark. Additionally, consider installing locks on your windows, especially if you live on the lower floors.

Invest in a security system

Drilling holes isn’t allowed in most apartments, making it impossible to install a wired security system. However, this does not mean you cannot have a security system in your home. There are many security systems and gadgets specially designed for rental properties. They include:

• A door stop alarm: Also known as a door wedge alarm, this is an affordable, battery-powered device that is activated when a door is opened. When an intruder attempts to open the door, the alarm goes off, scaring them away.
• Video doorbells: As the name suggests, this is a doorbell equipped with a camera. It allows you to see and speak to the person at the door before letting them in.
• Motion detectors: This electrical device utilises a sensor to detect nearby motion. It alerts you when unusual movement is detected, making it easier for you to catch the burglar red-handed.

Change locks on all access points

When you move into a new apartment, you want to be sure that you’re the only person with access to your apartment. Therefore, ask your landlord to change the locks on the doors leading outside, and if they do not want to cover the cost, do it yourself. In addition to that, remember to install deadbolts to prevent burglars from picking your lock.

Get a safe

During a break-in, burglars want to get in and out as fast as possible and with as many valuables as possible. Therefore, consider investing in a safe to keep your items out of sight. Any cash jewellery, heirlooms, firearms, and other valuables should be placed in a safe. For maximum security, ask your landlord for permission to bolt it to a wall or the floor.

Make it look like you have more security than you do

Giving the impression that you have more security than you do can help deter burglars. You can do this by installing a fake security camera above your door or mounting a phony security company sign at the entrance of your apartment building.

For more advice on how to make your rental apartment safer, contact us today to get a personalised security plan from our experienced locksmiths.