Moving house is always stressful – but it can be especially so if you are worried about the safety and security of your new apartment. Of course, learning about the neighbourhood, crime statistics, and history is crucial to relocate smoothly and avoid some of the stress associated with adapting to an unfamiliar area.
However, beyond exploring the neighbourhood, you should also look into some security features that your new home should have. While these might not seem necessary at first, it is worth keeping in mind that apartment units and multi-family buildings are far more likely to become victims of burglaries and criminal activity. Start with the must-haves below.
5 Security Features To Look For When Looking For A New Apartment
1. An Apartment Call Box
A tailored apartment call box system is the first thing you should look for. Firstly, a call box allows residents to monitor traffic within the building, keep unwanted individuals outside of private and shared living areas, and communicate with couriers and visitors remotely.
But a call box can also be a powerful indicator of how seriously security standards are taken by the building’s management and other residents. If you have just found the perfect home for your family and it does not yet have a call box, consider speaking to the building’s manager or landlord to install a suitable intercommunication system.
2. Security Cameras and Security Alarms
While less than 20% of homes and apartments have a security system in place, statistics show that burglaries have been on the rise and that burglars are 300% more likely to target properties without a security system.
If you are unsure what to expect, work with the building’s manager to understand what systems are currently in place. Ideally, there should be CCTV cameras and alarm systems in both private and shared areas of the building.
3. Adequate Lighting
While most burglaries happen during the daytime (when most working families aren’t at home), burglars, thieves, and bad actors thrive in poorly-lit areas. While your building might have an adequate internal lighting system that is suitable to safely move from one floor to another, you should also check what systems are in place for external areas.
For example, parking lots, garages, driveways, and entrances should be illuminated at all times, making it easier for residents to spot suspicious activity and for CCTV cameras to operate efficiently at nighttime.
4. On-Site Security
Choosing to live in a building with on-site security means that you might be spending more each month or contributing to the community’s expenses. However, on-site security can ensure that the building is safe and protected around-the-clock – something essential if you wish to move in and out of the building safely at all times.
5. A Welcoming Community
One of the most efficient strategies to have in place to prevent thieves and burglars from accessing your home is to build a buddy system. In this strategy, two or more neighbours work together to identify suspicious activity and protect each other’s homes.
While this system can be introduced in most buildings, you will need to be able to trust your neighbours. So, before choosing an apartment block in which to live, make sure to meet others living in the same block!
It is important to feel safe and secure in your new apartment, especially if you will be living alone. If you find a place with the above features, you are sure to have peace of mind in your new home.