Apartment Safety and Security

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APARTMENT SAFETY AND SECURITY

Before moving into an apartment one should start thinking about the location in where you plan to move. As the search for an apartment begins so must the consideration of your apartment safety and security. Apartment residents rely on property owners and managers to a large degree to make the premises reasonably safe. An apartment unit should be the sanctuary for you and your family. Here are some issues that you should consider before signing a deal.

Location: What is the neighborhood like? Is there a high crime rate in the neighborhood? Check internet sites to find crime rate information. Talk to the local police department to learn more about the area. Check out the apartment in the morning, during the day and at night. A location that looks great at midday may look quite different a night. You might want to consider being centrally located to bus routes, stores, hospitals, and interstates?

Neighbors: What kinds of people live in the area? Are there gangs, drug dealers in the area? Are there a lot of bars or other business that might attract questionable people? Again, checking with the local police department is always a good idea. Talk to other tenants to get their opinions.

Security policies & equipment: What are the rules and regulation of the apartment building you are looking at? Is there security personnel? If not is there as security system?

Before committing yourself to a particular apartment, try to ensure that:

All locks on the apartment doors offer good security, and the core locks will be changed when you move in.
The doors of the apartment have peephole viewers.
The hall ways are well lit, and no bulbs are missing or burned out.
There are mirrors at bends in the corridors to prevent someone from waiting unseen.
The intercom buzzer system for the front door works properly if any.
Mail boxes show no evidence of tampering.
All exterior doors and locks are in good working order.
All windows accessible from ground level are protected by bars (Make sure that the bars or grating can be opened from the inside in the event of a fire and that you will be given a key if one is required)
All fire escapes are alarmed or enclosed to prevent unauthorized access.
Trees and bushes near the building are not overgrown, and bushes are kept below window height.
Garage doors are kept locked, and are controlled by either a key or magnetic card.

Once you've chosen an apartment, and have moved in:

Never leave your apartment door unlocked, even while taking out the trash.
If required to give the superintendent a key to your apartment for emergency use, seal it in an envelope and sign your name across the flap with your signature overlapping onto the body of the envelope. This will deter against tampering. Periodically ask to see the envelope.
Make an effort to meet your neighbors. Learn to look out for each other's interest. Know who "belongs."
Use only your first initial on your doorbell and mailbox, and in the phone book.
Immediately report any building security problems to the superintendent. Follow up to make sure the problem is corrected.
When your apartment is unoccupied for a long period of time, leave a radio or television playing to give the impression that somebody is home.

As with most decision you make, common sense is a valuable asset. Don't hesitate to do your research before making any decisions use all resources available to you, such as the internet, the local police, friends and neighbors. If you invest a little time and effort in your apartment decision, moving into your new apartment can be a positive and safe experience.

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