Free Guide to Apartment Security

GUIDE TO APARTMENT SECURITY

By the Apartment Security Store

   Recommendations for apartment security will vary based on your budget, and whether you are primarily concerned about security while home or while away from home or both.  The reason for the emphasis on budget is that renters typically have significantly less money than homeowners to spend on security.  

   The Apartment Security Store verifies whether the security product is suitable for apartment dwellers, who would violate the lease if they put holes in walls, counters, etc.   The security products sold are easy to take with you if you move.    

   Security cameras with motion detection, night vision and video are especially important, because they are the only security product that gathers identifiable evidence of a break-in.  (they take video of the perpetrator)  These are highly recommended for all customers.  The other security products offered may alert you to entry in some fashion, however they won't help identify the burglar.  Unfortunately, if you don't have broadband internet wi-fi or a smartphone you probably won't be able to use a security camera.

PRIMARILY CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY WHILE HOME

  1. Door stop alarm for each entrance door, if concerned about someone forcing their way in. (avoid the common very cheap door stop alarm as these may not work at all–the one I tested didn’t stop the door from opening and didn’t alarm when the door was opened. It’s worth it to spend an extra $5 for one that works.)
  2. (Optional) A door/window alarm for each entrance door. These will set off a approximately 120db alarm when the door is opened, but it won’t prevent people from opening the door. Combine both of the above for better protection, if your budget allows it.

PRIMARILY CONCERNED ABOUT APARTMENT SECURITY WHILE AWAY FROM HOME

  1. A security camera inside the apartment aimed at the entrance door works well for this. Look for a security camera with motion detection, night vision, and works with wi-fi (hopefully you have broadband internet). Another thing needed with the security camera is an app for your smartphone that, with a cloud contract, alerts you to motion detected and records video wherever you happen to be. If you have more than one entrance door, you’ll need another security camera for each additional entrance door. Buy two cameras of different manufacturers for each entry door to increase protection.

CONCERNED BOTH ABOUT SECURITY WHILE HOME AND AWAY FROM HOME

  1. A security camera (see above) and what you can afford in the “Primarily Concerned About Security While Home” section above.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  1. Doorbell cameras – These are a great addition to your apartment. (if you can afford one) They will allow you to catch package thieves, and notify you of visitors and package deliveries. Wireless (wi-fi) doorbell cameras that attaches with adhesive tape is what you want. You’ll need broadband internet wi-fi and a smartphone for these to work. (Avoid the very cheap doorbell cameras that only work when the doorbell is pushed, because these won’t catch the common package thieves or other problems.)
  2. First floor and fire escape issues – Window security becomes important for first floor apartment dwellers and upper floor apartment dwellers who have a fire escape leading to their apartment. Make sure your window locks work well. Consider glass break alarms and/or window alarms to increase security. Windows beside a door that if shattered allow burglars to reach over and unlock the door, should have glass break alarms.
  3. Always lock doors and windows when – You are home or away (if it’s hot and you are home you can have your windows open). Check your door and window locks every time you go to sleep, or leave. Most break-ins occur when a burglar enters through an unlocked or poorly secured door.
  4. Hide your valuables, so that they cannot be easily found by a burglar. Keep your window drapes and/or blinds closed so burglars can’t look into your apartment and see if desirable items are there. Consider a safety deposit box at your bank to place your valuables in.
  5. Renter’s insurance – If all else fails, having an adequate renter’s insurance policy will result in you being reimbursed for stolen or damaged property, as well as possibly cover other things. Make a thorough inventory of all your property, and if the value of the property exceeds your policy it’s time to get a larger policy. The price of a renter’s insurance policy is very cheap. Make sure you get the lowest deductible ($250 usually) and that property damage has replacement coverage.
  6. Sliding doors – If you are on the first floor or can be accessed via a fire escape, you want to provide additional security for sliding entry or sliding balcony doors. A wooden broom/mop handle measured to fit in the track of the door will make if difficult for someone to force open the sliding door. Sliding doors notoriously have weak locks, and the additional protection is a great idea.
  7. If you don’t have broadband wi-fi – This will limit your security options. Battery powered door stop alarms and door alarms are still able to work well without broadband wi-fi.
  8. Locks alone may not be enough. There is an old saying in security that “locks only keep honest people out.” Problems such as old keys floating around (landlords sometimes don’t change the locks between tenants), loose locks that are easy to push open, “sneaky Petes” (who find a way to get past locks), good old-fashioned brute force, and following readily available internet instructions to defeat locks, etc. result in locks not being enough sometimes.