When you find your ideal apartment, it can be tempting to rush into signing your lease (after your rental application has been approved). But before you make any hasty decisions, it’s important to consider the safety aspects of your potential new apartment. Ask your property manager or landlord (perhaps while you’re touring the apartment) the following questions to be absolutely sure that this apartment community will leave you feeling at ease in your new home.
1. What safety features does the community have?
What are the leasing office’s hours, and will there be any sort of security guard or night watch in the community? Do residents park their cars in a garage, or in an open, uncovered lot? If it’s the latter, is the community gated and well-lit? If you can, check out the apartment complex at night so you can judge the lighting, parking, and outdoor safety for yourself.
2. Is card access needed to enter the building?
A feature that shows that an apartment community prioritizes safety is gated or locked entry points into the community itself, the buildings, community amenities, and elevators. Many apartment communities give their residents key cards that allow entry into private, resident-only locations (besides the building) like the fitness center, swimming pool area, laundry room, or clubhouse. Ask your property manager or landlord what their security amenities are regarding key-card entry.
3. Are window treatments, blinds, or shades included?
Window treatments are a great way to make your apartment more private, but if window treatments aren’t the norm for the apartment community, ask if shades or blinds come with the windows. You’ll want to avoid the possibility of a passerby peering into your apartment, especially if you’re in a lower level unit. Whether for personal privacy or to keep your belongings unknown from peering eyes (such as electronics, jewelry, or other valuable items), getting blinds, drapes, or curtains installed as soon as possible is a good idea.
4. Have the locks been changed?
It’s standard procedure to change the locks before a new tenant moves in, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your property manager or landlord just in case! To avoid the use of a recycled lock (one that’s been used by a previous tenant), make sure to specify that new locks should be placed on the doors. After all, you don’t want to risk a previous tenant having the key to your apartment. You also may want to ask if there’s more than one lock on the door. For instance, a deadbolt that only locks from the inside is a great security feature that many renters appreciate.
5. Is there a fire extinguisher on the premises?
Your apartment should come with a fire extinguisher, typically located under the sink, but check with the property manager or landlord to be sure. If your apartment does not have a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-grab place, consider getting one to keep in your apartment kitchen.
6. Has the unit been checked for mold?
Mold can be a serious problem, causing allergic reactions, respiratory problems, headaches, and eye irritation. Ask the property manager when the last time the apartment was checked for mold. Mold is especially common in older buildings, and there are several signs that there’s a mold problem in the apartment, such as water spots or an odd smell that you and the property manager can be on the lookout for.
7. Are all of the appliances functioning properly?
Before leasing an apartment, the property manager should make sure that all of your appliances—especially stoves and other appliances that use gas—are in working order. Just to be safe, check all of the stove burners, the refrigerator, and the water taps in the apartment before signing the lease. You want to avoid any potential fire hazards or water damage in your apartment at all costs.
8. Do you offer 24/7 emergency maintenance?
If you were to have a maintenance emergency in your apartment or notice one in the community, it’s very convenient to have a maintenance member available at all times. For instance, if your apartment is flooding in the middle of the night because of a leaking toilet, a visit from the emergency maintenance team will be a great help for the well-being of you, your apartment, and your belongings.
Though luxury amenities, modern appliances, pet-friendly perks, and a convenient location are great things to look for in an apartment, don’t forget about the security features and amenities the apartment community offers. If you value the safety of you and your home, it’s important to ask the property manager or landlord about the safety features they offer before you sign the lease. And after your questions are answered and you feel secure about the new apartment, you’re sure to feel at home in no time. Safety first, renters!
