In a complex of any size, management often takes on the responsibility of providing security, at least in general. They will sometimes hire private guards. But even when they don’t, in the majority of cases they take some efforts to see that the grounds are secure. That helps them, of course, since a secure environment makes the complex a more desirable place to live.

But most will not concern themselves with individual security as, realistically, they can not. There are typically simply too many units to protect one-by-one. They may have fences, even alarm systems, but only for the perimeter and selected buildings. They can’t afford to look after each apartment or condo.

That means the responsibility for security rests on the shoulders of those who are most directly concerned: the tenant. Fortunately, there are a great many things that can be done inexpensively to do that.

The obvious involves such things as keeping windows and doors locked. Most complexes won’t allow installing an individual alarm system, but fortifying entrances with proper locks, window bars and so forth can certainly be done. Sometimes the expense will be a joint effort. Other times it is up to the tenant alone. But the expense and effort are well worth it, since it’s the tenant’s possessions and safety at issue.

Behavior plays a large part in personal security, and that can be carried out in a complex at least as easily as in a neighborhood. A neighborhood watch program can be developed within an apartment or condo setting. In many cases, this is easier to carry out in that situation than in a housing tract. There are more people around during all hours, typically, and the view is often more open.

Personal behavior plays a part, too. Don’t admit strangers through the gate, ‘as a favor’, even if they give you the name of a neighbor. Walking to and from the garage or parking area at night or when there is no one else around is a concern. Walking with keys or pepper spray cannister in hand is a reasonable precaution for most women. Being aware of the surroundings is wise for everyone.

Just as with a house, don’t admit strangers unless they’re from reputable companies you do business with regularly. They may decide to come back later when you’re not there. Or, worse, when you are. Take a peek through the peephole and require identification. Thieves may go to the trouble to disguise a vehicle, but they rarely carry proper ID cards, since they don’t expect to be asked.

Lastly, whenever possible, consider security when selecting an apartment to rent or condo to buy. After moving in it is usually too late to get the owners to change locks, improve lighting or repair a gate lock. But beforehand, you may have some leverage. It may require going with another choice. Weighing the options of where to live can be difficult, but security considerations should be high on the list.

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There are several things that pose a danger to your security and that you should make sure you are protected from. For example, you should make sure that there is sufficient lighting outside of your apartment complex. If it is dark outside, this is very dangerous since there are more chances that you can be attacked and robbed. You should talk to your landlord and ask him or her to install additional lightning. If there are any burned out bulbs, your landlord is also responsible for replacing them. If you have your laundry outside of your apartment, you need to make sure that you are safe when you walk to that location, especially if you are walking there at night. This also applies to other facilities like a pool or a fitness center. It is a good idea to do your laundry during the time it is light outside. If it is not possible, ask your neighbor or a friend to do their laundry with you so you can both walk to the outside facility at the same time.

There are other security steps that you should follow. For example, if you have your name printed on the mailbox, see if it is possible to move the label inside of the mailbox so only the post office agent and you can see it. If this is not possible, make sure that the label doesn’t display your full name. You can have only your last name to be printed or a last name and a first letter of your first name. This way a burglar will not be able or will have a hard time trying to find out your phone number, which can be used if a burglar needs to call your apartment to find out whether you are at home or not. Another precaution step is to make sure that if someone buzzes you from the entrance, you open the door only to those people who you know or expect. Never buzz in a stranger, even if he or she says that they are visiting someone in the apartment complex.

If you have a main building door, make sure that it is locked at all times. Many apartment complexes will have a main door and you will usually be provided with a separate key from this door or a security code for the electronic lock. Make sure that you lock this main door after you come inside the building or go outside. If this main entrance door has an electronic lock, you should never tell anyone what is the security code used to open this door. If there is an external security outside (like a main entrance gate), you should also make sure that you never give out the security code that is used to open this gate. As far as you own door, ask your landlord to install a door chain and a peephole. If someone asks to come inside your apartment and states that your landlord sent him or her, check with your landlord first to make sure your landlord indeed sent somebody and that this person is not trying to trick you to be able to steal something from you. Be very careful when dealing with stranger as they can be bogus callers trying to rob you. The basic security steps that you should follow in this case are the same for people who live in apartments and for people who live in houses.

Related posts:

1. Home Security: External Security Systems
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3. 5 essential things to check for when you are buying a house