Security Tips for Renters

Sharing a building with multiple people can seem intimidating at first, but with these tips you’ll be able to take control of your own peace of mind.

Before you sign your lease, do your research. Check local crime data near the property you like. Talk to neighbors and get their opinions, too. Observe general upkeep, both during the day and in the evening. If anything causes you to hesitate, you may want to keep searching.

Here are a few specific features to look for:
- Security doors: Prevent unwanted access to the building as a whole
- Deadbolt locks: Basic locks to prevent unwanted access to your apartment
- Door peepholes: Allow you to see who is outside your home without opening the door
- Sliding chain locks on doors: An additional level of defense to prevent unwanted access to your apartment

These are fairly typical features to look for in your apartment or your potential apartment, but there are some other features that can make you feel even safer in your home.

These additional features are:
- Security cameras: This can allow you to monitor the front door of the building without leaving your apartment.
- Door buzzer: Allows someone to buzz the door and speak to you so you can make the right decision about who you allow into the building (while this is a great feature, if other tenants don't pay attention to who they let in, it can be a negative thing as well)
- Badge cards: A card that you wave over a sensor that will unlock the door for you
- Membership to a local crime free organization (or crime free pledge): This typically sets the standards that the property manager will follow
- Private security: Private organization that monitors the property (or several properties) to have a constant or consistent presence at the property

This is just a short list of possible security features for apartment buildings to have. Be sure to ask the property manager about all the safety features and how they work so you can feel safe in your own home.