Residential life in an apartment is associated with a comfortable and tight-knit neighborhood, however, there are situations of accommodation causing fear of security. Although most renters would appreciate the security that accompanies sophisticated security systems, not all of them have the financial capacity to install costly equipment or do permanent modifications to a rental property. Luckily, it is possible to do a lot to make your apartment safer without breaking the rules of your lease and without having to invest much of your money.
It is not necessarily the top-tier cameras or tricky alarm systems that keep the security high. Being aware, prepared, and having smart daily habits may go a long way towards securing your space. If you are new to renting or you want to enhance your current situation, little measures may make you safer and minimize break-in or other interruptions that are not welcome.
Start With Your Locks And Entry Points
Checking door and window locks is among the initial measures of apartment security. Ensure all locks function properly and close securely. When a lock is to be loose or damaged, inform your landlord to repair or replace the locks. The majority of landlords have the obligation to keep the working locks and they will react promptly upon the requests on entry points. Having your front door reinforced also by use of a simple doorstop alarm or a security bar can create difficulties in access to potential intruders.
When not in use, windows, particularly ground floor windows should be locked. In cases where your apartment has sliding windows, inserting a wooden or a metal rod in the window track may make opening the windows more challenging to an outsider. These are cheap and do not need to be put together thus suitable to renters who have to do with non-permanent installations. The most common best practices such as ensuring that your doors are always locked and checking your windows thoroughly before you walk away are also imperative in daily safety.
Be Mindful Of Who Enters Your Space
Many apartments are designed with common entrances, and this implies more traffic of people going across halls, staircases, and common spaces. Never open the door directly at someone expressing the desire to go in; make use of a peep hole or through the door; ask a question first and make sure who is on your doorstep. When a person comes to declare himself or herself a maintenance worker or delivery person, do not hesitate to check with the building management to confirm the identity.
It is also useful not to leave the main entrances scaffolded even in case you know that somebody is coming soon. Though convenient, this habit has the potential of easing access of unauthorized persons into the building. Because of the numerous apartments for rent Calgary and other such settlements built in urban areas, tenant awareness is an even bigger factor in the establishment of building-wide security. Adherence to The Ways in and the Things out protocols do not only save your unit but also aids the safety of neighbours.
Use Smart Lighting And Visibility
Appropriate lighting is a very effective yet decidedly hard-hitting security tool in the apartment. A bright entrance will discourage a person to walk around the side of your door without notice. In case your doorway or hallway is not well-lit, you can either buy battery operated motion detector light or even obtain some plug night lights close to the doorway. It is cost-effective and the solutions do not need to be hard wired or installed permanently to enhance visibility.
At home, you can leave some of the lights in your apartment turned on, so other people would think that a person is staying inside. Smart bulbs or timers, which are managed with the help of your phone, will enable you to regulate lighting without moving. This is particularly convenient in case you are spending the night or you are on holiday. Activity sought to be maintained within the unit will reduce break-ins to the unit and create an impression of continued occupancy.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Being on good terms with the people that live near you may enhance your security. People who know you are more prone to pay attention in case something appears wrong or in case strangers are spotted around your entrance. Creating a sense of trust in your floor or section of the complex also implies that you will be able to check on each other in times of prolonged absence or sudden happenings.
Living in a community forms an informal security network, which is another security shield. Sharing contact options with one or more of the neighbors that you feel comfortable sharing them with. They can tell you about any abnormal occurrence when you are not home and even help you report any issues in case you are not in position. Such minor ties help in individual security, as well as in a better living state of affairs.
Manage Deliveries And Mail Safely
It is easy to steal packages lying in unattended common places. In case your building lacks safe and secure mailrooms or lockers, you are advised to either plan such deliveries when you are home, or deliver these through your job or the delivery point, and so on. There are facilities where the commerce gives you the opportunity to leave instructions to the couriers not to leave the packages in the open, which may diminish the possibility of theft.
As far as mail is concerned, it is important to also make it a habit to check your mailbox, and most importantly not have your mail overflow particularly during traveling. A full mailbox will also be an indication that there is nobody at home, rendering the apartment susceptible. If you are a renter in a high-traffic location or in a building that allows packages to be viewed in the mail room, checking up on the deliveries you receive and removing the mail regularly is a small, but efficient routine that will keep your personal possessions safe.
Practice Consistent Security Habits
The security of an apartment sometimes relies not only on technology but also on practices done on a daily basis. Door and window locks, careful and cautious attitude to guests, and talking to neighbours are also contributable to the safety of space. These measures are not very big but they form a complete layer of protection that is difficult to circumvent. Even with no insurance for expensive cameras or alarms, risks can be minimized as long as you are careful and use the available tools wisely.
It is up to you to take personal responsibility when it comes to achieving your personal safety as well as realizing what is within and without in your rental agreement and liaise with your landlord to do the requisite improvements. In case you are unprotected at any time as a result of a structural problem, you can demand support. Peace of mind and a sense of security in your apartment, no matter whether it is large or small, and inexpensive or large, is possible when you have viable solutions and train yourself to follow some good habits.
