The risk of burglary remains whether you own your house outright or are a renter. A thief will break in if they can get what they want without any trouble. Whether you own or rent, installing a security system can reduce the likelihood that a thief will get access to your home and steal your belongings. Anyone would be wise to invest in a security system. However, there are several safety measures tenants should take before moving in. Doing things in the wrong order could end up costing you. The capacity to secure future housing rentals may depend on your actions.
There are several special safety considerations for apartment dwellers. It’s possible that the risk of being a victim of crime will go down if there are more people walking about your building and living complex. So, finding the right way to obtain an apartment can be a special problem.
Maintaining a high level of security in your apartment building is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings. Our security professionals have created a list of apartment security suggestions to consider both before and after you move in to help you make the correct plan for keeping your apartment safe.
How Important Is It To Have A Security System In An Apartment?
It may seem like you don’t have many options if you rent an apartment but yet want the security that comes with one. However, even if you live in an apartment, there are still numerous things you can do to make your home safer.
- Learn the potential hazards of your new area. It’s important to learn about the dangers, such as a high prevalence of theft, that exist in your neighbourhood. Get to know your neighbours, the police, and the local establishments to get a sense of the area and what to expect.
Investigate the safety features of the apartment building: Is the lighting in the communal spaces of your flat pleasant? - Do the surveillance cameras actually work? Does the complex have any other secured entrances? Compile a list of the amenities and those that are missing from your rental property. This can aid you in determining whether or not you feel secure in your new apartment, and will also point out any improvements that may be necessary.
- Inspect the entryways and exits: The weakest link in any house or apartment is the point of entry. Verify that all of the doors and locks are secure. Peepholes, chain locks, key codes, security cameras, and remote unlocking mechanisms are a few other security measures to keep an eye out for.
Burglars are less likely to break in if they see that you take security seriously. However, the installation process could cause structural damage to your property, and you could have to leave behind some systems if you decide to relocate. It’s possible that your landlord will frown upon some of the security equipment you instal.
Your landlord likely has some type of access clause included into your lease agreement. It’s possible that these uses would necessitate access:
- Repairs. Your landlord is responsible for fixing issues such as squeaky windows and buzzing cables. This isn’t the kind of thing that can be dealt with over the phone or internet.
- Emergencies. A broken pipe could cause a flood that destroys several apartments. It’s possible that your landlord won’t have time to give you a heads up before they need to get in.
- Tenants brand new to the building. In a competitive rental market, your property may be rented even before you vacate it. However, prior to committing to anything, most people prefer to view the actual premises.
- Sells a structure. The owners of rental properties may try to find new owners. Lots of people may come to your area to check it out once word gets out.
In some cases, your landlord will need to knock and give you a heads-up before entering the premises. Landlords may exercise an indefinite right of entry in various jurisdictions.
Parts of your alarm system may prevent your landlord from entering your home. For some packages, the door will lock itself and you’ll need to use your phone to go in. If the landlord suspects that you’ve changed the locks, you may be in breach of your lease.
Some alarm systems feature extremely audible signals; these could go off in response to completely benign triggers. The chimes could be triggered by something as simple as a cat strolling by your sensors, waking or annoying your neighbours.
Many other systems use cameras, and in shared buildings, your capturing their images could be a breach of their privacy. As an example, if you point a camera out into the hall, you need to be careful that you aren’t accidentally recording your neighbor’s living room.
Some Advice on Apartment Safety
There are several benefits to apartment renting. Renters enjoy the benefits of not having to worry about outdoor care, property taxes, or packing up and relocating at a moment’s notice.
A major security risk associated with apartment living is the increased likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary compared to people who own their own homes. Why?
One possible reason is that a huge building with numerous occupants provides a sense of anonymity and convenience. No matter what the cause may be, you don’t want to end up as one of the victims. Fortunately, there are things you can do before you even sign a lease and once you’ve moved in to make your new home safer and less appealing to would-be burglars.
Before You Move
Verify the Structure’s Condition
Put away your tenant mentality. Don your “mind burglar” gear and keep an eye out for openings that should be exploited. Thieves favour locations that are simple to break into. When you left, did you lock the doors? The lighting in the hallways and common areas. Can only those who know the code enter, or is there a concierge or doorbell system? Verify if there are any locked floors or stairwells in the building. What prevents a robber from entering your home is the installation, so make sure it works.
Examine The Premises After Dark
Do not limit your property check to daylight hours. After dark, you can drive by and all around the structure. Does it appear that adequate lighting has been provided for the premises? Do the parking lots have security lights and cameras? Does it seem busy where you are right now? Do you get the impression that they’re up to no good, like dog walking, or that something terrible is going on?
Repairs and Upkeep
The lack of upkeep on a home you’re contemplating should raise red flags. Maintenance is important, but a manager who doesn’t place a high priority on it likely won’t care much about keeping tenants safe.
Check Out The Local Crime Rates
Use the regular phone number to contact your local police department and get a safety report or crime data for the region. Talk to the locals to find out what it’s like to live there, and join the Neighbourhood Watch if there is one. Find out how much your insurance company would charge you for renter’s insurance and see if it stacks up to the average in your area. The higher the rates, the less secure the neighbourhood.
Carefully examine the interior of the unit.
Do a thorough inspection of the apartment before deciding to move in. Do you have a peephole in your door? Is there a way to get one put in if not? Is the regular lock on the door accompanied by a deadbolt or a chain lock? Can you lock the windows? Confirm that these options are available as upgrades.
After You Move
Put in a New Lock
Make sure your door lock is replaced or communicate with your landlord about getting a new one installed. Why take the chance that your former tenant may use a key that you haven’t returned to gain access to the property? In an effort to make their buildings more secure, some landlords change the locks on individual units at regular intervals. A brand-new swell provides reassurance.
Improve Security by Installing Extra Locks
Get a lock installed if you can. The locking mechanism is substantially more difficult to bypass without the key. When combined with other safety measures, a chain becomes even more effective. Keep in mind that criminals often look for the easy way out. It’s possible that your neighbours will try to break in because you have more waves than they have. In addition, a security bar should be installed on any sliding glass doors leading out onto a balcony. These kinds of doors are easily breached due to their inherent weakness.
Get an Alarm System Setup.
A hardwired system is unnecessary in today’s wireless age. You can get a portable home security system to keep an eye on your current or future dwelling. Those that are uninterested in monitoring might instead instal alarm systems to sound off in the event of a break-in. Your smartphone may be used to operate some of these systems and gadgets, making them more convenient and accessible. Get stickers from the company to put around your house to let people know they’re being watched.
Closing the Blinds
You can hide valuables from would-be burglars, such as a laptop computer, by installing decent shades or drapes. Before you leave the house, make sure to shut the blinds or curtains so that people can’t peek inside.
Acquire a Fireproof Safe for Your House
Invest in a home safe and get your landlord’s permission to bolt it to the floor to prevent theft of your valuables. It should be burglar- and earthquake-proof, and it should be the safest place to keep money, documents, and jewellery. You can easily access them, yet they will be safe from harm.
Make Sure Your Home Is Safe
Affordable and easily accessible tenant insurance is easily accessible. It protects the valuables in your residence from being stolen. You might not think you have that many things, but the price of replacing them could be prohibitive. If you are a tenant and are displaced from your home as a result of a covered loss, your tenant’s insurance may be able to help with the additional costs associated with your relocation.
Is There Any Way To Get A Security System Put In Your Apartment?
Yes. However, whether or not you are able to instal a security system in your apartment may be contingent on whether or not you own the property, or on the landlord’s permission under the conditions of your lease. In addition, your community’s Homeowners Association may have additional regulations you must observe. Installing a security system in your apartment without too much hassle but still being cognisant of space constraints is ideal.
How Renters Can Get a Security System
Despite the dangers, spending money on security is a good idea. A burglary can be prevented by the system you instal. If they are stupid enough to try and steal from you, the evidence captured by your cameras may be useful in catching the crooks. Systems can be used in rented spaces with some preliminary preparation.
- Information about construction should be included in your lease. Keep that section in mind as you read the rest.
- As part of your lease agreement, you might have agreed to give the landlord ownership of any permanent wiring installed in the rental unit. Which implies you might have to abandon your gadgets when you up and move.
- Professional installation is required for complex systems, and some businesses will not do the job without the landlord’s express written consent. Experts should not be hired without first discussing the project with the landlord to ensure it meets with their approval. On the day of installation, you’ll need to produce those documents.
- Choose an independent system instead. Avoid the hassle of hardwiring, which requires additional screws, wires, and nuts. Do everything from the palm of your hand using Wi-Fi-connected gadgets. Because of this, you can rest assured that you won’t be breaking any rules when it comes to building on rented property.
- As you set up your system, remember to factor in the requirements of your neighbours. Don’t monitor your neighbours by pointing cameras at their homes. Put some thought into your signage before posting it in a public area. Always consider the needs of those around you.
- Before you try out the sound, make sure to let your neighbours know about your system. Make sure they won’t be bothered by alert noises and that they can hear them.
- Tell your neighbours how to reach you if you feel comfortable doing so. Your tenants will have your contact information handy so they may reach you rather than your landlord if any of your devices ever causes them discomfort.
Besides, What Else Can You do?
When you instal a security system, you’re making yourself impenetrable to thieves. To keep your rental house secure, it’s not your only option.
Get to know your neighbours if you haven’t already. Build trust by maintaining regular contact with them. People are more likely to help protect you if they like you. When an issue arises, they may try to contact you or provide assistance. If they don’t know who you are, they are less inclined to intervene.
If you’re worried about your safety, bring it up with your landlord. As a group, you can make significant improvements like:
- Putting in a peephole to peek outside before opening the door.
- To make it harder for would-be intruders to open the door, they were installing deadbolts.
- In order to prevent break-ins, We plan on getting window locks.
- Intrusions were reduced because to the installation of surveillance cameras in common areas such as lobbies.
The appearance of tenancy can be maintained even when you’re not physically present. The lights can be set to timers to come on and go off as though someone were home. Drape your windows to prevent outsiders from peeping inside. Lock your door, that’s the most vital thing. Keep your house secure at all times, not only when you leave; you never know when an intruder might strike. These basic measures, in addition to installing a security system, will shield your rented home from harm.
Apartment Security Systems: Choosing the Right One
You should start your search for an apartment security system by identifying the weak points in your building’s security. Keep in mind that approximately 40% of burglars enter through the front door as they shop for systems, as this is the most common point of entry. You should also make a note of any windows that are easily accessible from the ground or a fire escape.
Take into account the square footage and number of rooms in your residence. Find out if any security firms you’re considering selling to provide more affordable home security packages, or if they’ll allow you to create your own, before you make a final decision. Doing so will prevent you from buying unnecessary supplies in bulk.
All this means that choosing the correct home alarm system for an apartment presents its own set of technological challenges. Perhaps there is a balcony in your apartment that you feel needs to be secured more. Extra safety measures should be made to lock down windows that can be opened from the outside if your unit is on the ground floor. There are other measures you can take to protect yourself:
- Put put a deadbolt, chain lock, or other sturdy lock on the door.
- Sliding glass doors should have a security bar with a door jammer installed.
- Close your drapes and shutters to keep the sun and draughts out.
- Purchase a safe to keep your valuables and documents secure.
- Get renter’s insurance if you want to be safe.
- Keep your whereabouts secret while you’re away
- Put in motion-detecting lights so that your home is always well-lit when you’re not there.
Why It’s Best For Apartment Renters To Install Their Own Systems
The typical lease is only two to three years, therefore most tenants are constantly on the move. DIY home security systems are great for renters since they can be easily disassembled and transported to a new dwelling. The initial investment in a do-it-yourself method may be more, but its portability makes it more cost-effective in the long run.
It is more practical to have a professional install a system in a larger home with more square footage and access points.
Conclusion
The possibility of being a victim of a break-in is the same whether you rent or own your home. A security system can reduce the likelihood that a thief will get access to your home and steal your belongings. Before moving into an apartment, tenants should take a number of precautions to ensure their safety. Be aware of the threats, such as a high rate of theft, that exist in your area. Make a detailed inventory of the rental property’s features and any missing ones.
Inspect the entryways and exits to ensure that all of the doors and locks are secure. Extremely loud alarm systems’ signals may go off for no reason at all. There may be a breach of your lease agreement if the landlord discovers that you have changed the locks. The installation is what keeps a burglar out, so check that it is functioning properly. Do a thorough inspection of the apartment before deciding whether or not to move in.
Check out the local crime rates and see if the neighbourhood has a high crime rate. Make sure to replace your door lock or have a new one installed by talking to your landlord. If you can, have a lock put in. Sliding glass doors that open onto a balcony should have a security bar installed. Installing good blinds or drapes is a simple way to conceal valuables from potential thieves.
Ensure that the curtains or blinds are closed before you leave the house. Information on Where and How to Get a Home Security System if You Rent. It would be ideal if the security system installation in your apartment didn’t cause too much trouble. Additional rules may be imposed by the Homeowners Association in your neighbourhood. Systems of this complexity warrant expert installation.
Without the landlord’s written permission, some service providers will not take on the project. Avoid the hassle of installing extra screws, wires, and nuts by opting for a system that operates independently. Make sure your neighbours won’t be bothered by alert noises and that they can hear them. If you’re worried about your safety, bring it up with your landlord. You don’t have to be physically present to keep up the appearance of tenancy.
Timers can be set so that it appears as though someone is home at all times. If you don’t want people peeking in, cover your windows. The single most important thing you can do is lock your door. Two- to three-year leases are the norm, so most tenants are in a constant state of flux. There are specific technological considerations that must be made when settling on a home security system. When moving to a new place, DIY home security systems are ideal because they can be taken apart and stored in a car.
Content Summary
- Whether you own or rent, installing a security system can reduce the likelihood that a thief will get access to your home and steal your belongings.
- Anyone would be wise to invest in a security system.
- Maintaining a high level of security in your apartment building is critical to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings.
- Learn the potential hazards of your new area.
- Parts of your alarm system may prevent your landlord from entering your home.
- Make sure your door lock is replaced or communicate with your landlord about getting a new one installed.
- Get a lock installed if you can.
- Get an Alarm System Setup.
- However, whether or not you are able to instal a security system in your apartment may be contingent on whether or not you own the property, or on the landlord’s permission under the conditions of your lease.
- As you set up your system, remember to factor in the requirements of your neighbours.
- Get to know your neighbours if you haven’t already.
- Keep your house secure at all times, not only when you leave; you never know when an intruder might strike.
- These basic measures, in addition to installing a security system, will shield your rented home from harm.
- All this means that choosing the correct home alarm system for an apartment presents its own set of technological challenges.
- Purchase a safe to keep your valuables and documents secure.
- Get renter’s insurance if you want to be safe.
- DIY home security systems are great for renters since they can be easily disassembled and transported to a new dwelling.
FAQ`s About Home Security
What security is best for home?
- Vivint. : Best overall.
- SimpliSafe. : Budget pick.
- Frontpoint. : Quality DIY pick.
- ADT. : Trusted brand name.
- Abode. : Best for Apple customers.
- Cove. : Best customer experience.
- Ring Alarm. : Best outdoor cameras.
- Blue by ADT. : Best optional monitoring system.
