post thumbnail
June 15, 2017

Fifteen Tips to Enjoy Apartment Living the Safe Way

Apartment hunting and trying to find the right fit? Already found a dream place and getting ready to move in? All moved in and enjoying your new pad? No matter what stage you are at in the adventure of apartment living, check out these tips to keep your safety in mind.

Finding the Right Fit

  • Research local crime to find out about any possible issues in the area before committing to an apartment. You can check with your landlord, future neighbors, and the local police department.
  • Check out the apartment entrances and their security features at each door. A door may require a code, key, or buzz-in from a resident. Ensure that the apartment is up to your security needs.
  • Check escape/area of refuge plans with the management. These plans are coordinated with local authorities to ensure they are the best route in emergency situations.
  • Pay attention to apartment upkeep as you tour. The state of the apartment and surrounding buildings can tell you a lot about how the landlord and management manage their properties.
  • Check over lighting around the building while you’re touring, and if you tour during the day come back and check out the apartment at night. This way you can ensure that there is exceptional lighting for your safety needs.

Getting Ready to Move In

  • Double check that your landlord changed the locks since the last tenants lived in the apartment. Ask your landlord to replace any locks on windows and doors that you feel are not secure enough.
  • Get to know your neighbors and the employees in the building to know who regularly frequents the building and is supposed to be there. This also can be great if you ever are in need of assistance within your building.
  • Be aware of your surroundings as you’re moving in, and be sure that doors shut and lock behind you. Also, be sure to have someone stay with your stuff outside while you are carrying items into your new place.
  • Speak with your landlord about when batteries will be changed on smoke detectors, lights will be switched when they go out in hallways and the parking areas, and what will be done if elevators or electronic locks break down.
  • Install a security system for an added level of protection. Renters have the ability to get security systems as well, which do not require drilling.

Enjoying Your Pad

  • Use lights to give the impression that someone is home if you are gone for long periods in the evening. This can help prevent break-ins.
  • Keep valuables inside of your apartment as much as possible and try not to use your deck or balcony as a storage space. This will keep your possessions secure and ward off the interest of intruders.
  • Create a Facebook page with you and your apartment neighbors to have open communication and allow a place to discuss any suspicious activity going on in or around the building.
  • Invest in a safe for your apartment to keep your important paperwork and documents. Small safes can be purchased which easily fit into nooks of apartment bedrooms or closets.
  • Purchase renter’s insurance as a safety net for your valuables and apartment. Most insurance companies offer the option of renter’s insurance to cover anything that may be stolen or damaged.

Whether you’re apartment hunting, moving into your new place, or already settled, keep these tips in mind to ensure your safety and keep your peace of mind! At Steven Scott Management, Inc. we have your safety in mind every step of the way. We care about our residents, employees, and relationships, so we are sure to be there when you need us.

Steven Scott Management, Inc. has been successfully managing rental communities in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul for more than 50 years and is one of the largest locally owned property management firms in Minnesota. We manage a variety of apartment communities for a range of ownership groups and specialize in market rate housing, student housing, senior communities and affordable properties.

If you have any questions or want more information about renting with us, check out our website, or call (952) 540-8600.