Home Security for Apartment Renters

Many people do not realize that even as renters, there are options for home security. Whether you rent an apartment, house or condo, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your home and family are protected from fire, theft and other risks. Just because you do not own your home does not mean that you should not protect it.

There are a number of home security system options that are perfect for renters. Wireless systems make it very possible for you to have the protection that you want without having to drill holes to install the system. These systems are often chosen by renters and by homeowners who have thoughts of moving in the future because they are easy to take down and take with you wherever you go.

You can also do other things to ensure your safety when renting. Ask the landlord about the doors and windows in any apartment or home that you rent. Find out if the doors and windows are sturdy and whether they are strong enough to prevent an intruder from entering. Find out who does the landscaping as well. Keeping the outside of your home or apartment neatly landscaped will help to reduce your risk of a home invasion. Burglars typically look for areas where trees are hiding entry points or where bushes or other landscaping provides a good escape route. If your landlord is in charge of the landscaping, make sure that it is well-kept.

You can also ensure that there are carbon monoxide and smoke or fire detectors installed. Many states require that landlords have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors installed. You may want to check the laws in your state to determine if this is something that your landlord is responsible for or if you should include it in your overall home security system. If you move into an apartment or other rental that does not have these items already installed, you should install them immediately. It is also important to remember to change the batteries regularly and test the devices once each month to ensure that they are working properly. If your landlord has them installed, be sure to contact him if and when you notice a problem with their function.

Proper lighting is essential in warding off burglars. Be sure that your apartment or condo has adequate outdoor lighting. If there are multiple broken lights or a pathway that is dimly lit, talk to the landlord about providing better lighting for the outdoors. This may be a time when you need to seriously consider another alternative rental if the landlord refuses to repair broken lighting or there is not enough lighting outdoors for protection.

Finally, find out from the landlord just how many people will have access to your apartment or your unit. Many landlords will allow you to install a new set of locks, particularly if a tenant has moved out and not returned the keys. Overall, installing a wireless security system will go a long way in providing you with the protection that you need.