Home security advice for student renters

January 23rd, 2012 @ 3:51pm

Once you've found a sweet off-campus apartment to rent near your school, we suggest that you invest some time, effort and money into making sure your new abode is not only comfortable and stylish, but also safe and secure.

Only having a measly chain lock on your apartment door and using the switch locks on your windows is not the best way to go to protect your new place. Take some of these effective apartment security tips from SimpliSafe into consideration and talk to your landlord to make sure you're stuff doesn't get stolen or, even worse, something happens to you and your roommates.

Door and window locks

As we already said, flimsy locks aren't the way to go if you want to keep burglars from getting into your apartment and swiping your brand new TV or Xbox 360 - the horror, we know. Invest some moolah in strong and sturdy locks for your front door and all windows at your student housing - such as deadbolt locks - as they can do a heck of a lot more to protect your home. If you want even more protection than just locks, then a stronger door may be the best option.

Peephole

Many rental properties have them installed, but if your new off-campus apartment doesn't, we suggest using the source's suggestion of adding a peephole to your front door. These tiny viewers allow you to see who's at the door without them being able to see you. Though nine times out of 10, it's the pizza guy delivering your two large pepperonis, it could be a thief or scam artist trying to finagle their way into your home. So, though a peephole doesn't actually secure your apartment, it lets you see who might be sneaking outside your place looking to steal from you.

Window blinds

SimpliSafe says these are essential items for student renters who lease an apartment on the ground floor of a building, as these homes are the most likely to be robbed in most cases due to ease of entrance and exit for thieves. We agree with the source's recommendation. A burglar could very easily, and quickly, rob your apartment if you leave your valuables in plain sight and with little window security. Blinds can be bought at home improvement stores for affordable prices, so if you're looking for a way to protect your home but do so cheaply, this is likely your best avenue to take.

Security lighting

Yes, you read right. Lighting can be an effective method of home security, the source says. We think adding devices such as exterior motion sensor lights could make criminals steer clear of your apartment. Think about it - the typical thief doesn't want to be seen while doing their "work" so they'll likely avoid risking the chance of robbing a residence where they are clearly visible. Just like blinds, a low-cost option for protecting your student housing.

Mail and newspaper delivery

If you get mail and a daily paper delivered to your apartment and you plan on being away from your place for a few days, we suggest calling the post office and telling them to hold onto everything until you're back. Mail that piles up in front of an apartment door is a telltale sign for burglars that says, "Hey, my place is empty so feel free to rob me. Just remember to turn the lights off when you leave." You're practically inviting them in to steal your stuff. It takes a few minutes to put a hold on your mail, and you're already on the computer, so we advise spending the time to do so.

Neighbors and landlords

You don't have to be best friends with them or even talk to them daily, but we recommend getting to know your neighbors, as they can be relied upon to watch after your place while you're gone for an extended period. Talk to at least one of them after moving into your off-campus apartment that you think you can trust and just ask them off the bat if they wouldn't mind doing so at some point down the line. However, if you really don't want to get to know your neighbors, just ask your landlord to keep an eye on your place while gone.

The point is is that having a pair of eyes regularly monitoring your place while away can be a great way to ensure you don't become a burglary victim.

Crime statistics

Government and municipal websites often have crime stats available for specific areas of the country, even for the smallest of towns and communities. To make sure you understand the level of criminal activity in an area even before renting an off-campus apartment, perhaps checking out these sites is a good idea. You don't want to regret signing a year-long lease and realize you're living in the murder capital of the U.S., do you? We didn't think so.

Parking

Regardless of whether your student housing has a garage for you to keep your ride in or only provides you with street parking, we advise taking care of your car's security as soon as you move in. Car thefts are common even in areas where crime levels are low, so invest in a vehicle protection device, such as an alarm system or a steering wheel lock, to keep your wheels safe and sound.

Home security system

Last but not least, there's the home security system. These can be very expensive, but if you can afford to buy one and your landlord is cool with it, you may want to install one in your student housing - especially if you have high-priced belongings. Many of today's home alarm systems allow users to keep tabs on their apartment's security while away from their home. Be sure to do your research and check out all available options to make sure you get a good system.

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