Are you concerned about the security of your family and yourself in your rental apartment building? In this post we will discuss some of the issues you need to consider and think about as an owner as well as a renter in an apartment building. Everyone’s nightmare is that they move into an apartment building only to find that there is no or limited security. Anyone can get into the building and in fact some apartment dwellers don’t bother to check identities before they buzz some one in or the lock on the front door is broken.
Before we go much further lets just say that if someone really wants to get into your building, they will find a way in and it will not take them that long either. Even if there is a security guard or a concierge, it is relatively easy to get by them through distractions or just timing it when they are not looking or just being bold.
So how are you to protect your self when you are living in an apartment building. the answer is that it is all about probabilities and the more steps you take before you move in and even after will help to increase your overall security level!
Rental Apartment Security Checklist
We put together a simple check list of items to consider before you sign the lease to a one year contract for an apartment. Here we go in no particular order:
- Front door does lock
- Location is relatively safe
- Double doors each with locks
- Video systems works so you can see who your buzzing in
- Apartment doors are solid and have good locks on them
- Concierge on duty 24 hours of the day
- If no concierge on duty is there a security guard or on duty maintenance person
- Elevators are key coded for additional security
- Check police records for number of visits
- A Well maintained place shows pride of ownership and security by owners
- Alarm systems in apartment
While some of these things may seem at the high end, we all have to make compromises and decide what is right for the situation that we are in. While you may not want to pay for a high end apartment with a security guard and concierge, a place that is really well maintained shows pride of ownership and a clientele that takes care of the building and treats it like their own.
Interview The Rental Manager
Most of the time it is the rental manager interviewing tenants. They are trying to decide if you will be a good candidate for the building. This usually means that you will pay the rent on time and not bring additional people into the apartment other than what you indicated on the rental application. he may also check with previous managers were you have resided to get references.
While you certainly have to go through all of that, we suggest you turn the tables a bit and interview them as well. The objective is to assess whether it is a place you really want to live in. You are going to check out the apartment, the parking, and any facilities that may or not be offered with the apartment.
Extend the interview and ask questions that require more than yes or no answers. For example, how is the security in the building? Ask him to describe the steps they take to ensure that the building is secure. Make him sell you the building and describe its positive attributes.
Many superintendents may find this unusual. However it will also communicate to them that you are interested in a location that is safe. You will also help to keep it that way while you live there. A superintendent wants to have a well run building with no problems at all including bad tenants.
Other Issues
There are probably many other items that will help to make sure that you chose a secure building. If you feel that we missed some or just want to leave a comment, please do so. All constructive and helpful comments will be approved. We will even approve a link to your web site. Provide a well written comment that will be helpful to our readers.
For more ideas about keeping your place secure, click here.
August 16th, 2012 on 11:16 am
everyone needs to be aware of security even if you have a front doorman who is supposed to look after people who are coming in. always be on the alert, you never know what nut case is around the corner or trying to get in,.