As a renter, you might not be able to make the changes to your unit that you want to regarding overall security. Besides getting in touch with the experts of Alder Home Security, you can take several other steps to secure your apartment when you rent.
Don’t Let the Basics Fall by the Wayside
While advancing technology has made it more efficient and more accessible than ever to secure your property, a simple locked door can go a long way in keeping you safe. Before investing time or money in other security features or deterrents, lock your doors and windows while at home and heading out. If you want to hide an extra key outside your home, ensure it’s not in a prominent spot, like under the doormat or a lone rock to the side of the door.
Also, check into your apartment security systems to see what security they already have in place for your protection. Some apartment managers help protect you and your belongings against the pros cons that may think of stealing from you.
Consider a Video Doorbell
Because burglars are sometimes polite enough to ring the doorbell before they break in and make off with your good china, install a video doorbell on your property. You can use a small camera for added apartment door security to see who’s at the door with an app on your phone. Even better is the fact that you can speak with your visitor through the camera, making it difficult for potential burglars to tell whether you’re actually home. Installation is quick and easy; ensure you don’t leave it when you move out.
Either Update or Change the Current Locks
When you first move into a new place, it’s good to change the locks, even if they look like they haven’t been tampered with. This is because you don’t know who might have an extra key to your apartment or house. Changing the locks gives you peace of mind; make sure you ask your landlord if you can do so. Specifically, consider a smart lock to unlock the door with your phone. you might prefer to make a spare key, which can be lost and result in you having to change the locks all over again.
Buy a Safe for Your Valuables
While you can lock your doors and windows and change the locks, there’s still no absolute guarantee that a burglar won’t gain access to your home. Consider investing in a quality safe for your most valuable belongings as an extra layer of protection. For instance, you can store important documents, small, irreplaceable items, and valuables in your safe. In addition to keeping them safe from criminals, storing your valuables in a safe protects them should a fire or natural disaster strike. If getting a quality safe proves too expensive, or if you don’t have room for one, an alternative is to rent a safety deposit box at a nearby bank.
Keep All Doors and Windows Covered
After you’ve locked up all your doors and windows, make sure you keep them well-covered so no one can look inside to see what’s worth stealing. For windows that are too big for standard blinds and curtains, consider outfitting them with tinted film, which also helps to filter out blinding sunlight. Remember, the right blinds and curtains can upgrade your security and add to your home’s visual aesthetic.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Try to take some time to get to know your neighbors. You might make a new friend or two, but you’ll also have someone to look out for you and your apartment when you’re away from home. Your neighbors will also have you to help them look out for them, which creates the perfect win-win relationship and tighter security.
You don’t have to feel your options are limited regarding securing your rental property. The right tips and equipment are sure to go a long way. Be sure you fill out the in apartment safety checklist before you move into the new apartment.
Talk to me in the comments:
What other measures can you take to secure your apartment when you rent?
