Date Posted: 2012-07-13 10:10:47
Site Posted: Myproperty.ph

Leaving home and moving into an apartment for the first time can be exciting for people who long to finally gain independence. On the other hand, the thought of living alone can also be nerve-racking for anyone, especially when all you see on TV are news about crime.
On the other hand, you don’t want to have to live in fear all your life, so it would pay to be extra cautious. When living in an apartment for rent, here are some of the precautions that you should take to ensure your safety.
When looking at apartments to rent:
· Ask the landlord if the locks have been changed since the last tenant left; you never know what kind of people they are, and if they had decided to keep a copy of the keys to the apartment.
· Make sure that the front door has a peephole, which will allow you to see who’s knocking without having to unlock it. If it doesn’t, insist that the landlord install one for safety.
· If the apartment doesn’t already have a deadbolt or a door chain, ask the landlord if he can install one, or if he will let you do so.
While living in an apartment:
· Don’t put down your whole name on your mailbox; this will make sure that anyone who might have something against you will have a more difficult time tracking you down.
· When you call the phone company to have a line installed, request for an unlisted number to prevent getting unwanted calls.
· Pay attention when entering and leaving your apartment. Never walk while texting or rummaging through your bag to keep from being surprised by an attacker.
· Don’t take the elevator with someone you don’t know. If you can’t avoid it, stand near the elevator buttons so you can make a quick exit or alert someone if something happens.
· Take the time to get to know your neighbors to gain ones that you can trust. This will also help you avoid instances like letting in non-residents who pretend to live in the building.
When looking at apartments for rent, be sure to look at its safety features, and don't be afraid to bring up any security concerns with the landlord. Also, while living in the unit, always be aware of what you do to keep from falling victim to anyone.
Jillian Cariola, Writer
(cover image by madzindia)
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