Living in an apartment has its good points and its bad points, like everything else. For many single people, it is the best way to go financially and many people prefer to be around other people. They feel more secure, especially single women. But apartment complexes can also be dangerous. You’re basically moving into a small community of people you know nothing about. So, assuming you have some time to tour a few apartment complexes before moving into a particular one, you might want to check out some of the security measures at each one.

1. If you were to apply for a certain apartment, would the manager run a background check on you? If so, ask if they do this for all of their tenants. This is an easy way for the manager to find out if someone applying for an apartment has a history of criminal activity, is a convicted sexual predator, or anything else that points to a red flag. Without background checks, you could move into an apartment complex inhabited by a drug addict or convicted burglar or worse.

2. Ask the apartment manager if the locks are changed or replaced when a new tenant moves in. This would prevent a previous tenant from gaining access to your “new” home, either to steal or assault you, since it’s easy to make a duplicate key and not return it to the landlord when you move out.

3. As you walk through the apartment complex, look to see if the windows on the ground floor are protected by bars that can be opened from inside the apartment. This would prevent someone from accessing your first floor apartment through a window.

4. Ask the manager if there is any type of alarm system installed inside each apartment. If not, would they be willing to install one or allow you to install an alarm system?

5. Check for good lighting in hallways and around the apartment building. It may not be noticeable during the day, so you might even ask the manager about this. Also, while you’re in the hallway, look to see if there are ceiling mounted mirrors in the corners so you can see around corners as you approach. This will prevent you from being surprised by a thief waiting around the corner.

6. Ask the manager if the tenants are careful not to let strangers into the apartment building if it is one with the front door locked. Does the manager emphasize the importance of this rule to his tenants? It may seem rude not to let in someone who seems nice and polite, but even the worst criminal can be polite and manipulative to get their way.

7. Does each apartment entry door have a peephole no longer than 58 inches and is there a cover on the inside of the peephole to prevent anyone from looking through it? The best peephole is one that has a wide angle of 160 degrees.

8. Ask the manager if there is a community watch program at the complex. This would help make the apartment safer and more secure, with tenants looking out for each other, taking turns walking the perimeter of the complex, reporting any crime or suspicious activity to the police.

9. Find out if dogs are allowed to live in the apartment complex. Dogs are a great deterrent to criminal activity. If your lifestyle allows it, you may want to consider adopting a small dog to keep you company and provide some security, as long as you have time to train and exercise him.

10. Observe the parking arrangement for the apartments. Will you have to park a long way from your apartment and is that area well lit? Is there a parking garage with an attendant on call? If you have to park in an unattended parking lot or in a dimly lit area, you may want to have a small canister of pepper spray or even a stun gun and have it ready in your hand when walking to and from your car. .

Here are some of the important things to consider when looking for a safe apartment to move into. You may want to make a list and even add to it as you think about other safety precautions before checking out apartments for rent. Always keep your safety in mind as the most important thing when looking for a place to live.