{"id":128007,"date":"2023-09-18T04:46:45","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T11:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=128007"},"modified":"2026-04-16T05:10:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:10:57","slug":"10-apartment-security-tips-for-renters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/renter-essentials\/10-apartment-security-tips-for-renters\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Apartment Security Tips for Renters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your home is your castle \u2014 at least, it should be. The first thing you should do when you move into a new place, whether it\u2019s a rental house, condo or apartment, is to ensure it\u2019s safe and secure. Here are 10 of the best apartment security tips for renters and how to implement them.<\/p>\n

1. Do a security assessment<\/h2>\n

When you find an apartment you like<\/a>, check the safety of the building, as well as the safety of the surrounding area. What are the crime stats for the neighborhood? What kind of crimes are common? If you can, talk to residents on the block about experiences they\u2019ve had with local crime and how safe it feels to live there.<\/p>\n

Next, look over the building carefully. Is the exterior well lit? Are all the entrance locks secure and functioning? Are there cameras installed? Is there full-time security staff on the premises?<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to look at the parking area, too. Is it someplace you\u2019d feel safe if you arrived home late at night, alone?<\/p>\n

2. Install a renter-friendly security system<\/h2>\n

\"security<\/p>\n

A number of companies offer modestly priced, renter-friendly security systems that don\u2019t require drilling or major installation that might get you in trouble with your landlord. These systems generally use cameras and sensors with adhesive backing, so you don\u2019t risk damaging your rental.<\/p>\n

Many also use a cellular transmission system so the system will remain operational, even if the power goes out. If you\u2019re not sure if your landlord will allow installation, call and ask, or send him a message through a convenient landlord app.<\/p>\n

3. Meet the neighbors<\/h2>\n

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and check in with them from time to time. If everyone in the neighborhood knows each other, it\u2019s more likely they\u2019ll look out for each other. Keep lines of communication open, even if it\u2019s through neighborhood apps such as Nextdoor or Citizen. It can help spread the word if your neighborhood gets hit with package thieves or other common criminal nuisances.<\/p>\n

4. Consider getting a dog<\/h2>\n

\"dog<\/p>\n

Security experts agree that one of the most effective burglary deterrents is having a dog in the house<\/a>. The noise and potential harm a dog would cause is enough to push would-be burglars to try a different house. Your pet doesn\u2019t have to be a large, fierce dog either. A small one is equally effective.<\/p>\n

A dog in the house is an \u201coccupancy cue.\u201d It\u2019s a sign to would-be criminals that your home might have someone there. Because burglars avoid homes that are occupied, these occupancy cues are excellent ways to drive them away.<\/p>\n

5. Make your apartment look occupied when you\u2019re gone<\/h2>\n

\"smart<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re leaving your apartment for an extended period of time, try to use occupancy cues to deter thieves and burglars. You can buy inexpensive smart lighting timers that will turn your lights on and off at random times so it looks like someone\u2019s home. You can also buy TV light simulators to make it look like someone\u2019s watching TV.<\/p>\n

At the very least, avoid obvious signs that you\u2019re away. Move your car if it\u2019s conspicuously parked and arrange with a neighbor to pick up your mail and packages.<\/p>\n

6. Don\u2019t mention vacations or absences on social media<\/h2>\n

Another important apartment security tips is to not announce to the world that you\u2019re going away on vacation. Burglars monitor social media platforms<\/a>, and if you tell the world you\u2019re going to be away from home for the weekend, they could target your apartment. Make your profile private and post those vacation photos after you get home.<\/p>\n

7. Upgrade your locks<\/h2>\n

\"smart<\/p>\n

Most landlords will change the locks when a new tenant moves in<\/a>, but they don\u2019t always take this precaution. That means there could be multiple copies of your house key.<\/p>\n

To be safe, many experts suggest changing the locks when you move in. While you\u2019re at it, consider a heavy-duty deadbolt for added security or a security bar that will wedge your door closed when you\u2019re inside.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to consult with your landlord before you have work done on your apartment or you could put your security deposit at risk. With today\u2019s rent-to-income ratio<\/a>, that could be a significant amount of money.<\/p>\n

8. Consider a safe or a safety deposit box<\/h2>\n

If you have valuables, such as jewelry or cash, in your apartment, consider securing them in a safe. That way, if thieves do intrude in your apartment, they won\u2019t be able to access your most valuable items. For added security, store your valuables offsite, in a safety deposit box at your bank.<\/p>\n

9. Don\u2019t forget windows and sliding doors<\/h2>\n

With all the emphasis on your front door, don\u2019t forget to secure other access points into your apartment. Make sure your window locks are secure and functioning and invest in some heavy curtains or drapes so people can\u2019t look directly into your home.<\/p>\n

If you have sliding doors in your apartment, consider getting a security bar for added protection. Sliding doors are notorious for weak locks and security flaws, and a bar will physically keep them from being opened from the outside.<\/p>\n

10. Carry renter\u2019s insurance<\/h2>\n

If something does happen, renter\u2019s insurance can provide a much-needed financial cushion<\/a>. Renter\u2019s insurance generally covers your personal property and is more affordable than other types of insurance.<\/p>\n

Final thoughts on apartment security<\/h2>\n

Securing your apartment takes a lot of work, but we hope that these apartment security tips have helped you. Although it can take a lot of time and money to install a security system, cultivate relationships with your neighbors and pay for renter\u2019s insurance. These things will definitely help you feel safe in your home and that\u2019s the most important thing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your home is your castle \u2014 at least, it should be. The first thing you should do when you move into a new place, whether it\u2019s a rental house, condo or apartment, is to ensure it\u2019s safe and secure. Here are 10 of the best apartment security tips for renters and how to implement them.…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":148,"featured_media":128011,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38971],"tags":[38966,38961],"class_list":["post-128007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renter-essentials","tag-maintenance-tips","tag-tips-tricks","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"\n10 Apartment Security Tips for Renters -- RentCafe rental blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"These apartment security tips will help you ensure your home is as safe as possible, and that you feel comfortable living there.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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