Living on your own introduces plenty of concerns that may have never been on your radar prior. One thing on the mind of many renters is their apartment unit’s security. Sure, some people have the benefit of living in an apartment community with heightened security protocols, from onsite security patrolling the complex to gated entryways. However, not everyone is lucky enough to live in an apartment community that has high-level security.
Fortunately, there are still steps you can take to add some security to your apartment unit. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for easy ways to increase your apartment unit’s security.
Test/install window locks
If your windows do not already have window locks, install them. This is something you should really consider doing if your apartment unit is accessible through windows, such as if your apartment is located on the first floor.
If your apartment already had window locks installed, check them to make sure they actually function and won’t just snap at the slightest bit of pressure.
Add extra locks
Sure, your apartment may come with a simple lock and key situation for your front door, but adding an extra lock can grant you some peace of mind. A double-cylinder deadbolt or mortise lock combines a sprung latch, deadbolt, and lever handle.
Check with your landlord to see if you are able to install a digital/smart lock. Not only does this add extra security for your space while you are renting, but it can be an attractive feature for future renters as well.
Reinforce sliding doors
If your apartment unit has a patio door that is a sliding door, you may want to reinforce the locking mechanism. Unlike your front door which can be secured with a deadlock, sliding doors often feature faulty latch locks that aren’t always the most secure.
Place a rod along the tracks of the sliding door so that even if someone can get past the faulty latch door and slide the door open, the rod will stop the door from opening enough for anyone to break in and actually enter.
If you live on the ground floor, reinforcing your sliding door can be a great way to add security as it prevents anyone from hopping the porch fence and trying to access your unit through the sliding door.
Get a doorbell camera or other security tech
Relying on motion sensors or detectors can help add some security. This is especially the case for those who live on their own or are often out of the apartment. You can turn on the sensors when you leave the apartment so that they can be triggered whenever a window or door is opened. When you’re away at work or class, this can help you know that there’s some extra security in the event of a break-in.
A doorbell camera can help you feel more secure when you are home and when you are out. When you’re home, you can check who is near the door without getting up to open it or walking past an open window to check. When you’re away, you can keep an eye out for anyone lurking near your door and potentially alert security or a neighbor to check out the situation.
Be aware of what you have in plain sight
As much as you love letting light in whether you are home or not and keeping the blinds open, you may want to reconsider what belongings are in plain sight for anyone walking by your apartment.
For example, if you live on the ground floor and your living room can be seen from the walkway outside via a larger window or patio door, you may not want to leave your blinds open, exposing your TV or pricey gaming systems and tech you leave in your living room. Let’s say you leave your apartment for the day, and leave the blinds to your living room open with everything in plain sight. Anyone can lurk and see that no one is home and attempt a break-in. Had the electronics not been in plain sight, the break-in could have been less likely or prevented. Try not to leave things in plain sight, or make sure windows or blinds are shut when you’re out of the house.
Get a vault or safe to protect your belongings
If you live with roommates or often have people coming and going out of your apartment, you may be considered about your personal belongings, from jewelry and important documents to cash. Get a small safe you can stow away in your bedroom to lock up belongings and give you some peace of mind.
Living in an apartment unit does not mean you have to compromise on security. With these tips in mind, you can increase your apartment unit’s security.
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