Apartment & Condo Security Tips

Apartments and condominiums offer benefits that entice many to choose this living arrangement over buying a home—no need to worry about when the landscaping will get done or who to call when the laundry machine malfunctions, the freedom to move easily or change roommates, never mind the added luxuries of swimming pools and tennis courts. Whether you prefer these benefits, are saving up for a home, or are temporarily living in an apartment for school, the security of the space is very important for tenants, renters, and owners alike. Because apartments are not usually permanent residences, and people are generally in and out of the building more often, they can become easy targets for burglars or other criminals. With a little time, planning, and safety investment your apartment or condo complex will succumb to minimal crime if any at all.

Try having a monthly meeting to get to know your neighbors. Here, you can discuss security concerns, agree to look out for each other, and build a sense of camaraderie that will ease feelings of aloneness. 

If you are in the market for a new space, it is advised that you visit the place more than once at different times during the day. Take note of the surroundings and how people interact—a warning sign the area may not be too safe: there is very little activity after dark. People should feel safe walking their dog or sitting on the porch. This is also an opportunity to check the lighting of the building.

Get locks changed when you move-in—you don’t know how many sets of keys are floating around the city and beyond. It’s also a good idea to get permission to install a deadbolt; a professional can be hired to do so for little cost.

This may seem common sense, but you’d be surprised how often this happens as a common courtesy: never allow someone into the building that you do not know. The intercom system or additional locked door at the entrance of an apartment building has been placed there for a reason! Thieves are good actors; they will pretend to be anyone to get into the building. Don’t fall for the scam. When someone has arrived at your apartment’s door directly, look through the peephole or window before letting them in.

As alluded to earlier, you should require that management maintain the security features of the building and report anything you find that could be improved. All lights, doors, and locks should be functional and working properly.  Well-lit entrance ways, back doors, parking lots, laundry rooms, and hallways make it difficult for thieves to lurk around unnoticed.

A popular but potentially dangerous feature of many apartments and condos is the sliding glass door. Keep sliding glass doors locked at all times, even when you are home. These doors are easy targets for burglars, especially when you have a balcony. An inexpensive solution to making the sliding door safer is to always use a bar that prevents the door from opening fully, also anti-lift devices are beneficial.

Display your security company’s signs in the window and sliding glass doors to deter thieves from attempting to break in. Your alarm system’s sound, make sure you have one, should be set to turn off after ten minutes when it has been triggered. Thieves will not stick around after it has gone off, and neighbors will not have to suffer listening to its ringing until you are back to reset the alarm.

Automatic lights turned on and off with a timer can be effective in tricking thieves into believing that the apartment is occupied, even when you are away.

Be cautious with duplicate keys, only give the set to someone you truly trust. Do not leave spare keys “hidden” outside somewhere in case you get locked out—chances are the key can be easily found. By becoming friends with your neighbors, a relationship should develop where you can find someone that can hold a spare key for you in case that situation arises.

These simple tips will keep your apartment and property safe, your neighbors happy, and your head worry-free. Enjoy the city life!

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