Living
in an apartment doesn’t mean that you will not experience a break-in or that it
can’t happen to you. You can experience a break-in anywhere, regardless of
where you live. We see it every day at Atlanta Fast Locksmith
in Atlanta, GA. This is why we are often called on to rekey locks or
replace locks. If you wish to avoid a break-in, there are things that you can
do before moving in and even after you’ve already moved into your new
apartment. We’ve outlined some of these things for you below.
Things You Can Do ‘Before’ Moving In
Have New Locks Installed
This
is important because despite what some management offices will say, they don’t
actually change
the locks; they simply swap them for locks from another apartment. This
isn’t safe because someone still has a key that can open that lock. Make sure
that you have the locks of your apartment changed before you move in. This
might require that you buy the lock yourself but it is well worth knowing that
the locks are not old locks that have been placed on your door from another
apartment.
Really Get to Know Your Neighborhood
You
should find out all that you can about the crime in the area that you are
moving into before moving. Unfortunately, the leasing agents are not always
forthcoming in offering this information. Remember, their job is to occupy
apartments. They aren’t going to do anything that could possibly prevent this
from occurring. That is why you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. Go
to the local police department and ask for a report on the crime in the
neighborhood. You can also go online to websites, such as, CrimeReports.com and
CrimeMapping.com, to find this information.
Check Your Window Locks
This
is another area of the home that is often overlooked. Since the window is
another way that an intruder can gain entry inside your home, it is a good idea
to take a close look at the locks on all of the windows in your apartment. You
should especially consider doing this if your apartment is on the ground level
of the building. Window locks can be compromised if a would-be burglar were to
try to break-in. Since they can be compromised just like a door, it is a good
idea to make sure your window locks are of good quality. If they are not, have
them replaced. You can never be too safe.
Evaluate the Property Upkeep
Before
moving into an apartment, walk around the interior and exterior of the
building. Most apartments will make sure that the apartment you are interested
in renting is in good condition and that the front of the property is well
maintained. However, if you walk around you might notice some alarming things,
such as, broken windows, trash in the parking area, lights out, water stains
and cracked drywall. This is a sign that the landlord isn’t as concerned with
the property as they should be. This in turn means that they are likely not as
concerned with the safety and security of their tenants than they should be.
Keeping up the basic maintenance of a building is important but not as
important as the safety of those who life on the property.
Peephole for Protection
A
peephole is a way to see who is at your door before opening it. Someone might
identify who they are but it is most helpful to see if they are who they say
they are. It is very dangerous to open up your door to someone whom you do not
know or are not expecting. If your apartment doesn’t have a peephole, ask the
management office if and how one can be installed. This isn’t something that
should be ignored and should be discussed prior to moving in.
What Type of Entrance
If
you are safety conscience, you might consider moving into
a building with access control. Access control means that no one can gain
entry into the building without someone allowing them access inside. They might
have to enter a code that will then notify a specific tenant. The tenant can
allow them inside or not. In some apartments, the tenant is allowed to give
their code to their visitors. If the code is entered incorrectly, they will not
be able to get inside. This is an added feature that offers greater security to
the building.
Things You Can Do ‘After’ Moving In
Purchase Good Blinds/Curtains
The
people on the outside should never know what you have inside your apartment.
This is advertising what you own. If you have something that a burglar wants,
you may be making your apartment the target of a would-be burglar. This is why
you should make sure you have good blinds and curtains that you cannot see
through from outside. Test them by closing them at night and having someone
walking in front of them to make sure that you can’t see through them. This
should be done before you being moving in all of your valuables.
Secure Your Patio Door
Most
patio doors are sliding doors. The locks that are on a sliding door are
generally there to keep the door shut, not to secure the home. You’ll need to
purchase a bar lock
or put a pole on the inside track to prevent anyone from getting inside.
This is the one door that is overlooked most often. Remember to do this if your
new apartment has a patio or balcony.
Obtain Renters Insurance
While
getting renters insurance doesn’t serve as safety it does give you the security
in knowing that if ever your valuables are damaged, that you will be able to
get something in return, money. You file a claim on what was lost or stolen and
the insurance company will compensate you. Renters
insurance protects other tenants against damages they may incur as a result of
something in your apartment.
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