Apartment Security: 9 Tips to Keep in Mind

Living in a condominium or apartment complex can give residents a great sense of security, and typically for good reason – many community complexes feature a secure access control that carefully manages authorized entry. Typically, you don’t see this level of access control in single-family properties, unless you’re living in a gated community. That being said, there are still a variety of condo and apartment security tips and considerations that multi-family property experts recommend taking into account.

Whether you’re currently living in an apartment or thinking of buying a condo in Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, or Charlotte, NC, this Redfin guide will walk you through essential condo and apartment security tips to ensure your home remains a safe and secure sanctuary.

1) Check if your building has access control systems

No matter where you live, everyone deserves to feel secure in their own home. Some apartments and condos feature both individual unit entry security and complex-wide secure systems. These systems allow for management to meticulously control who has authorized access to the complex itself.

• Modern security approaches: Touchless access control and cloud-based systems have been growing in popularity in recent years.
• Rapid integration: Access control security systems are now being integrated into both residential and commercial premises faster than ever to improve condo and apartment security.
• Property management priorities: Property managers now prioritize improved security solutions utilizing smart home tech while also mitigating the risks of disease transmission by minimizing unnecessary contact.

Your next step: Make sure you do your due diligence and ask these pertinent security questions before investing in an apartment or condo.

2) Check locks and windows

One way to increase condo and apartment security is to make sure all the building entrances and the door to your unit have secure locks and additional security features like a peephole, chain lock, key codes, cameras, and remote unlocking.

• Key updates: Contact management to find out how often they update the keys and key codes to both.
• The burglar test: Check the windows for secure locks and make sure they are secure from the outside. Put yourself in the shoes of a burglar – would you be able to break in through the window?

If you are renting or want a low-cost way to reinforce these entry points, you don’t need to make permanent changes to the property. As Karrie Fuller, PhD, Blog Manager of AptAmigo, suggests: “For sliding glass doors or windows on a first-floor rental, we suggest a simple wooden dowel cut to fit in the door or window track. This removable piece prevents the window from sliding open while in place, but still allows the renter to get out quickly in an emergency. In addition to being lease-friendly, this method is easy, fast, and cheap to implement.”

3) Learn about the security of common areas

Most condominiums and apartment complexes feature a range of shared amenities including gardens, rooftop lounges, pools, or gyms. However, such facilities can attract trespassers, so it is essential that property managers put security measures in place to mitigate these risks.

• Optimal monitoring: Find out if the complex has installed commercial-grade security cameras for optimal monitoring and peace of mind.
• Vulnerable spots: Pay attention to dark nooks and crannies in common areas like hallways, parking areas, laundry rooms, stairwells, and mailrooms. These are perfect areas for intruders or burglars to easily hide and sneak around.

Mailrooms and lobbies are particularly vulnerable, as delivery areas are prime targets for opportunistic thieves. As Patrick Bartlett, Head of Property Operations at Rove Travel, points out: “Package theft can happen anywhere with shared entryways. Use secure lockers when available, and for expensive items choose signature delivery or a nearby package pickup location.”

4) Parking lots and garage security is a must

Garages and parking lots are also common areas for petty crimes and preventative measures must be taken to reduce the risks.

• Real-time monitoring: Some community complexes feature remote security cameras that can monitor the perimeter of the garage or parking lot in real-time.
• Smart integration: When integrated with cloud-based systems and smart devices, these security cameras can alert personnel or on-site employees to potential incidents and respond efficiently.
• Active intervention: Some remote monitors can even use on-site audio to approach a perpetrator verbally and intercept a security breach.
• Law enforcement response: They can also use video-detection capture to notify the authorities, which typically results in a quicker response by law enforcement.

5) Ensure security standards are in line with HOA fees

The purchase price of your new community complex unit is not the only indicator you should use to determine what level and quality of security features to expect from your complex. The HOA (Homeowners Association) fees that you will be charged should also be in line with the level of condo and apartment security that the complex offers.

• HOA responsibilities: The HOA is responsible for maintaining the parts of the building that are outside the walls of your unit.
• What the fees cover: The HOA fees cover a range of community living costs, including building repairs and maintenance, common area and facility upkeep, and the costs of maintaining and running adequate security systems.

Red flag: Therefore, any community complex that charges high HOA fees while operating with sub-standard security features is a concerning combination that must be addressed or simply avoided.

6) Check the bicycle storage facilities for optimal apartment security

If you are considering storing a bicycle at your new complex, it’s essential to check for adequate security when it comes to their bicycle storage facilities. Bikes can be ridden or even carried away, so they are relatively easy to steal.

• The ideal setup: Ideally, the storage area will feature live monitoring, which will significantly reduce the risk of theft.
• Identifying threats: Behaviors such as repeated loitering or returning without a bike are red flags for potential security threats that could be intercepted by security personnel with the assistance of live monitoring.

7) Get to know your neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors or at the very least, being able to recognize them, is an easy apartment and condo security tip that doesn’t cost anything.

• The main benefit: You’ll be able to spot suspicious activity easily.
• Community support: Plus, your neighbors can watch your place, care for your pets, and protect your home while on summer vacation or winter break.

8) Install a home security system

Home security systems allow you to monitor your condo with indoor and outdoor cameras from your smartphone and alert authorities if necessary.

• Remote management: You can also shut off lights and appliances if you left home and forgot to do so beforehand.
• Insurance benefits: Depending on the home security system you choose, you may also see a discount on your home insurance.
• Renters’ alternative: If you live in an apartment complex, drilling holes into the walls is usually frowned upon. Luckily, there are wireless alarm systems that don’t need to be wired into the walls so you can boost your apartment’s safety.
• Portability: And, having an apartment alarm system can lower your rates on renters insurance. Since the system isn’t wired in, you’ll be able to bring it to your next place.

Apartment security: leave no stone unturned

Ultimately, you deserve to feel secure in your new home, and apartment complexes and condominiums have a responsibility to provide their tenants with adequate security. What you deem to be acceptable will depend upon your individual needs and preferences, and how the level of security offered compares to the property prices and HOA fees. 

The important thing is that you feel comfortable with the complex, and that includes the scope of security offered. So, ask the important questions – especially when living alone. Take the time to understand what systems the complex operates on and whether any upgrades are planned in the near future.

It is essential that you assess and feel comfortable with the security aspects of a community complex before committing to buying an apartment or condo. Once you have signed on the dotted line, you may not be in a position to enforce any changes.

FAQ: Apartment security tips

1. Can I install a security camera outside my apartment door?

Check your lease and building rules first. Since hallways are shared, landlords or HOAs may restrict external cameras for neighbor privacy. If standard cameras are disallowed, consider a peephole camera or a drill-free video doorbell.

2. What are the most common entry points for apartment intruders?

The front door is the most common entry point, followed by first-floor windows and sliding glass doors. Many intruders simply walk in through unlocked doors. Always keep your doors and windows locked, even when you are inside your apartment.

3. Is my landlord or HOA legally responsible if my apartment is burglarized?

Generally, landlords and HOAs aren’t legally responsible for stolen personal property unless they fail to maintain basic required security, such as working locks or secure gates. Consequently, having renters or condo insurance is essential to protect your belongings.

4. What are some quick, budget-friendly ways to secure my apartment?

Besides wooden window dowels, cheap, effective, and fully removable security options include portable door jammer bars, stick-on wireless window alarms, and timed smart lightbulbs to make it look like someone is home when away.

5. What should I do if a common area security feature (like a gate or lock) is broken?

Report it to property management or the HOA in writing immediately. A written record (such as an email or a portal maintenance request) creates a paper trail. This protects you, encourages them to make repairs quickly, and keeps the community accountable for safety standards.

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