Apartment living in any city offers many advantages, but residents should be aware of the potential security problems involved. The checklist below covers what to look for before you commit to a place, plus the habits that keep you safe after you've moved in.
Before You Sign the Lease
Walk through with this list. Anything that fails is a negotiating point — or a reason to walk away.
Locks & cores. All locks on the apartment doors offer good security, and the cores of the locks will be changed when you move in.
Peephole viewers. The doors of the apartment have peephole viewers so you can see who's there before opening.
Hallway lighting. The hallways are well lit, and no bulbs are missing or burned out.
Corridor mirrors. There are mirrors at bends in the corridors to prevent someone from waiting unseen.
Working intercom. The intercom buzzer system for the front door works properly.
Mailbox integrity. Mailboxes show no evidence of tampering.
Exterior doors. All exterior doors and locks are in good working order.
Ground-floor window bars. All windows accessible from ground level are protected by bars.Make sure the bars can be opened from the inside in case of fire, and that you'll get a key if one is required.
Fire escapes. All fire escapes are alarmed or enclosed to prevent unauthorized access.
Landscaping. Trees and bushes near the building are not overgrown, and bushes are kept below window height.
Garage access. Garage doors are kept locked, controlled by either a key or magnetic card.
Once You've Moved In
Daily habits that protect you, your neighbors, and your stuff.
Never leave the door unlocked — even while taking out the trash. You may find someone waiting inside when you get back.
The super's key. If you give the superintendent a key for emergency use, seal it in an envelope and sign your name across the flap with your signature overlapping the body of the envelope. Periodically ask to see it.
Meet your neighbors. Learn to look out for each other's interests. Know who "belongs" in the building.
Elevator safety. Don't get on an elevator with a stranger if you can avoid it. Stand beside the control panel for direct access to the alarm button.
Laundry rooms. Never isolate yourself in a basement laundry room. If possible, arrange to do laundry with a neighbor.
Strangers at the door. Never open the door to a stranger. Utility employees can slip their ID under the door. If in doubt, look up the company's number yourself — don't rely on a number they give you — and call to verify.
Don't prop outside doors. If you find one propped open, close and secure it.
Use a first initial only on your doorbell, mailbox, and in the phone book.
Report problems immediately to the superintendent, and follow up to make sure they're fixed.
When you're away long-term, leave a radio or television playing to give the impression that someone is home.
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