Security For People Who Don’t Own Their Own Home

There are over 36 million renters in the U.S., and based on statistics by the National Crime Prevention Council, the likelihood of a single-family home being burglarized is 15%, as compared to a whopping 85% for apartments. Burglars are smart, and know that people who rent don’t spend the money on security measures–and they are utilizing this knowledge to their criminal advantage.

• If you are depending on security gates and lighting provided by property owners for safety, you are not doing enough to protect yourself or your belongings. Following are some security tips for renters:
• Install a wireless security system.  This is an affordable deterrent to thieves, and kits run from under $100 to just over $200. They are portable and easy to install.
• Purchase Renter’s Insurance. Some policies are only a few dollars a month, and offer some piece of mind for a small investment. Plans can range from protection against burglary to fire and other disasters.
• Ask if your landlord or apartment managers will change your apartment locks. This is not usually the case–most often, new tenants are often simply given a new key for the same lock. What this means is that if a tenant made a spare key and did not turn it in after vacating the apartment, they still have a key to your place! Also, don’t ever leave a key under your doormat. It’s the first place people who want to get in will look! Leave a spare with a trusted neighbor or friend.

For more tips on Renter’s Security, visit: Renter’s Security