Whether you live in a high-rise condo or a smaller apartment complex, home should always feel like a safe space. With shared entrances, busy common areas, and even roommates, security can become tricky to navigate. Fortunately, by taking some smart precautions, you can reduce risks and protect yourself, others, and your space. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when living in an apartment or condo.

Window and balcony security

It’s easy to overlook window and balcony security, but they can be easy entry points, especially on lower floors and in older buildings. Consider adding window sensors or security film to windows for added protection. Always keep windows locked when you’re not home and at night. If your unit has a balcony, secure sliding doors with a bar or pin lock and don’t leave valuables outside.

For college students, getting work done on the balcony is a peaceful option, especially if you have roommates. Avoid leaving laptops, backpacks, and other electronics on the balcony or close to open windows where a thief might spot them.

Burglars will attempt to scale balconies if they think it’s worth their effort. According to Zipdo, 80% of break-ins happen through doors or ground-level windows, making these entry points critical to secure. If you reside in a ground-level suite, take extra precautions with both windows and doors.

Door security

Door security should be at the top of your list when protecting your home and yourself, whether you live in a ground-level suite or on the top floor. If someone gains access to your building, your door will be their point of entry.

Ensure your door has a sturdy deadbolt lock and reinforce the door frame with a metal strike plate to resist forced entry attempts. Make sure the hinges are secure and not exposed on the outside of the door. Sliding doors must be secured with a heavy-duty bar or a pin lock in order to prevent forced entry.

As a college student, you should get into the habit of locking doors even if you are only stepping out to visit a friend across the hall for a few minutes. High-traffic areas such as dorms and apartment hallways are areas that can invite theft from anyone passing by who notices an open door. Consider a portable dorm alarm or a door wedge for extra peace of mind as you navigate living away from home for the first time.

Surveillance and monitoring

Well-placed security cameras in your condo or apartment building can deter potential burglars. The possibility of being recorded and caught is something that most burglars work to avoid. Many buildings have taken steps to integrate video intercoms and access control systems that protect residents and the building.

This added security allows residents to verify visitors before allowing them entry. With 24/7 monitoring by professional alarm services, quick responses to suspicious activity and emergencies give everyone peace of mind. Individually, residents can invest in door cameras and door sensors for an added layer of protection.

Smart Home Security

Smart home security offers a flexible way to protect any condo or apartment unit. Smart locks, motion detectors, window sensors, and even doorbell cameras can be easily installed and managed. You can manage your smart home security features through mobile apps, which send residents real-time alerts when suspicious activity occurs and an alarm goes off.

Effective apartment and condo security combines vigilance, use of technology, and good habits to reduce risk and protect you and your belongings.

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