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Renter Security
- By Ralph Winn
- Published 01/15/2008
- Home Security
- Unrated
Ralph Winn
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According to the National Crime Prevention Council, apartments are 85% more likely to be burglarized than single-family homes. That’s a pretty high number, especially considering that there are over 36 million renters in the U.S. Since the property belongs to someone else, many renters don’t take the security measures that homeowners do, and burglars know it.
Renter security can be challenging – how do you protect yourself and your possessions when you don’t own your property? Many renters rely on their landlords or apartment management companies to provide security like access gates and stairwell lighting, but that isn’t always enough. Here are some renter security tips to help you stay secure in your apartment:
Consider installing a wireless security system. Wireless security systems are sensible options for renters. Easy to install, portable, and affordable (kits range from under $100 to a little over $200), they are a great deterrent to potential thieves.
Get renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance is affordable for almost any budget – usually just a few dollars a month – and gives you the peace of mind that your possessions are covered if you are ever the victim of a burglary. It’s money well spent.
Have your locks changed when you move in. Most landlords
and apartment managers will do this for free. If yours won’t, pay for it yourself – it’s worth the cost. And never leave a spare key somewhere obvious, like under the doormat. If you’re worried about locking yourself out, leave a key with a trusted neighbor instead.
Keep your doors and windows locked. It’s nice to open the windows on a breezy spring day, but make sure you’re not sending an open invitation to would-be burglars. Never leave windows and doors unlocked, especially when you’re away.
Protect yourself. Renter security isn’t just about protecting your stuff. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in common areas like your apartment’s parking lot, hallways, and stairwells. For a little extra security, consider carrying pepper spray when you leave your apartment.
Get to know your neighbors. One reason burglars target apartment complexes is that it’s easy to blend in with the crowd – if you don’t know your neighbors, you don’t know if the guy in the hallway is a new tenant or a potential burglar on the prowl. Make an effort to get to know the people who live around you – good neighbors can be excellent built-in security systems.
These renter security precautions will make your apartment a safer place to live. Take some extra steps to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings. You’ll be glad you did.
Renter security can be challenging – how do you protect yourself and your possessions when you don’t own your property? Many renters rely on their landlords or apartment management companies to provide security like access gates and stairwell lighting, but that isn’t always enough. Here are some renter security tips to help you stay secure in your apartment:
Consider installing a wireless security system. Wireless security systems are sensible options for renters. Easy to install, portable, and affordable (kits range from under $100 to a little over $200), they are a great deterrent to potential thieves.
Get renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance is affordable for almost any budget – usually just a few dollars a month – and gives you the peace of mind that your possessions are covered if you are ever the victim of a burglary. It’s money well spent.
Have your locks changed when you move in. Most landlords
Keep your doors and windows locked. It’s nice to open the windows on a breezy spring day, but make sure you’re not sending an open invitation to would-be burglars. Never leave windows and doors unlocked, especially when you’re away.
Protect yourself. Renter security isn’t just about protecting your stuff. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in common areas like your apartment’s parking lot, hallways, and stairwells. For a little extra security, consider carrying pepper spray when you leave your apartment.
Get to know your neighbors. One reason burglars target apartment complexes is that it’s easy to blend in with the crowd – if you don’t know your neighbors, you don’t know if the guy in the hallway is a new tenant or a potential burglar on the prowl. Make an effort to get to know the people who live around you – good neighbors can be excellent built-in security systems.
These renter security precautions will make your apartment a safer place to live. Take some extra steps to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings. You’ll be glad you did.