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Apartment security after you've moved in

Once you've decided that you're satisfied with the security a building offers and you've moved into an apartment, there are still steps you should take to enhance your safety.

Your landlord is required to provide you with a safe environment. You can make sure he or she does so. If you ask for an area of the complex to be better lit or a security door repaired, do it diplomatically and be appreciative when the landlord complies.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors. If there's a security system that requires those without keys to request entry, then help ensure the safety of your neighbors as well as your own by never buzzing in a stranger. Make sure that the door to your suite has not only an effective deadbolt, but a peephole as well. Try to use laundry room and other common facilities with a neighbor, rather than alone. Single women, in particular, shouldn't have their full names listed on apartment intercom systems or mailboxes. Or in the phone book. Use initials, or consider inventing another half of a 'couple' for such purposes. Make arrangements with a neighbor you trust to keep each other's spare keys, collect each other's mail when you're away and, possibly, deal with such issues as deliveries or appliance repair if you're not able to be home. Be aware that basement suites and those on the ground and lower levels are generally more vulnerable to burglary than those higher up.

If, despite taking all reasonable precautions to ensure your safety, you're still concerned, you should consider talking to a home security company about a system for your apartment.