Apartment/Condo Security:
Many of us who can’t afford to purchase a house will instead rent an apartment or condo. If you are looking to move into an apartment or condominium make sure you do your homework first:
· Ask the landlord or manager what their philosophy is regarding apartment security and do they even have one ?
· What kind of background checks are done on tenants in the building if any ?
· What kind of security exists on the property now ?
· Is the building a member of the “Crime Free Multi Housing Program” which is offered here in Victoria.
http://www.vicpd.ca/index.php?page=cfmh-2
· Do they “re-key” the locks when the last tenant has left, if not will they take on this expense? If the property owner is not willing to take on this expense are they willing to allow you to re-key the lock ? This is important as some buildings will not allow you to do this.
· Is the lock on the main door a high quality deadbolt lock, that has a minimum of a one inch bolt throw into the frame, with a strong and sturdy strike plate attached?
· Does the main door have a peephole so that you can see who is outside your door before you unlock and open it? If not ,will they install one at their cost or allow you to install one.
· What kind of locking mechanisms are on the windows and patio doors to prevent them from being forced open or lifted out of their guide tracks? This is especially important if you live on the ground floor or second floor.
· If the building has a secure entrance, make sure your intercom system does not use your suite numbers as an index.
· Check out the neighborhood first. Talk to neighbours, drive around the neighborhood and have a good look around. Trust your instincts !!!!!
· Talk to local law enforcement to see what they have to say about the building and the neighborhood
· Remember that wherever possible stay away from living in ground floor and second floor apartments and condo’s.
· If you have secured parking don’t forget the following security tip, click here
· Consider installing apartment wireless and monitored home security system with motion detectors. Today’s wireless systems are both non-invasive and easy on the pocketbook, but remember to use a reputable monitoring company. Many of today’s systems can also be synced with your smartphone to provide an “encrypted” video feed while you are out.
· If you have a separate locker or storage room, store items out of reach and up off the floor. Cover them. Often, locker walls are chain-link fencing or wood slats. This means anyone can see what is in your locker and that your belongings are exposed to spills or floods. Also, ensure that door hinges and screws of the locking system are covered when the access door is locked. This will prevent a thief from getting into the locker by unscrewing the hasp or hinges. Remember that wherever possible, don’t store anything of real values in a storage locker and always make sure you use a good quality lock.
· Many of today’s newer apartments and condominium complexes utilize some of the most up-to-date security devices. In fact, some of these buildings are so secure that if a first responder (police, fire, ambulance) needs to get to you in an emergency, it may be difficult for them to do so. If you are moving into such a secure building, especially those that use security fobs to access the main doors, or to use the elevator, what kind of emergency measures does your complex have in place to ensure that first responders can get to you in an emergency?
· Here’s a simple checklist to follow http://police.wustl.edu/apt-checklist.pdf
Don’t forget that although you may not be able to target harden the outer perimeter of the building, you can take steps to protect the inner perimeter; that being your apartment or condo.
Darren
The Urban Sheepdog
