How to Know if an Apartment is Safe

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Many people choose an apartment based on location and how well kept it is. However, there is another important factor to consider when choosing a new home: safety. It's hard to tell whether or not a place is safe just by looks alone, so remember to take a few tips into consideration when looking at apartments.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Check the locks on all the doors leading to the outside of the building. If you have anything less than a deadbolt, it can make it much easier for a would-be thief to break into your apartment.

Step2

Choose your floor wisely. Many people don't want a third-floor apartment because of the stairs and the heat in the summer. However, single women tend to forget that it might be safer for them on the higher levels. Studies show that many break-ins occur on the first floor, giving the burglar an easier escape.

Step3

Determine the types of background checks new residents are put through. If a renter will simply take someone's money and ask them to sign on the dotted line, then you might want to consider an establishment that asks for a more thorough check. It may seem like a pain for you, but it comes down to your safety and what kind of neighbors you might have in the long run.

Step4

Knock on a few doors before moving all your furniture in. Ask the neighbors what they think, chat with them for a few minutes and get to know what your future neighbors will be like. Part of determining whether or not an apartment is safe is finding out what kind of people surround you.

Step5

Use a peephole – and if there isn't one installed, then ask your landlord or maintenance man to install one. Most people know not to open the door for strangers, but it can be tempting if you don't have a peephole. Make your apartment that much safer by having one put in.

Step6

Keep tabs on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by making sure they have fresh batteries and are in proper working condition. It's possible to take all the precautions in the world to keep people out of your home but if your alert systems are failing you, it can make your apartment a dangerous place.

Tips & Warnings

Most law enforcement departments suggest that if you are a female who lives alone, don't make it widely known that you're by yourself. Women who live alone are targeted more by criminals when it comes to home invasion, robbery and rape.