Apartment & Condo Safety

Building Safety

  • Ensure your unit has been re-keyed before moving in.
  • Exterior hinged doors should be of solid core construction and fitted with a 1" deadbolt lock and 180° door viewer.
  • Use supplemental locking devices on sliding glass doors and windows.
  • Interior and exterior lighting is important to security. Walkways, doorways, hallways, and parking areas should have sufficient illumination.
  • Be aware of special security features the building and/or your unit might have and know how to use them.
  • Be cautious in and around elevators. If you are suspicious of another passenger, wait for the next elevator. When you get in, stand near the elevator controls.

When You Go Out

  • Always lock doors and windows. 
  • Never leave notes on your door.
  • Connect lamps and radios to timers to give the impression that someone is home.
  • Never leave a hidden key outside your apartment.
  • Set answering machine volume to "low".
  • Do not leave expensive items visible through your window.
  • If you arrive home and suspect a stranger is inside, go to a neighbor's apartment or manager's office and call your local law enforcement agency.

Vehicle Parking Areas

  • Lock your vehicle windows and doors.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle.
  • Use car alarms, auxiliary locking devices, and fuel/ignition cut-off switches on your vehicle.
  • Avoid parking in dark, isolated areas.

Laundry Rooms

  • Try to use the laundry room during daylight hours.
  • Use the "buddy system" when going to the laundry room.
  • Follow the established rules and do your part to keep the laundry room clean and well maintained.
  • Don't prop open doors.

Pool, Recreation, And Other Common Areas

  • Avoid these areas if not well-lit during the nighttime hours.
  • Leave purses, wallets, and other valuables in your locked apartment or condominium when using common areas.
  • Do not enter when strange or suspicious people are loitering about and tell your manager or security immediately.
  • Restrict access to these areas to residents and invited guests only.
  • Do not prop open doors or gates.