Neighborhood Safety Tips Every Renter Should Know

Evaluate Safety Before Signing a Lease

The best time to address safety concerns is before you move in. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day, including after dark. Drive or walk the surrounding blocks, not just the immediate area around the apartment. Look for well-maintained properties, functioning street lights, occupied storefronts, and people going about their daily lives. A neighborhood that feels deserted at night or shows signs of neglect warrants extra research.

Check crime data for the specific area using SafeCityPeek. Look at both the city's overall rates and, if available, precinct or beat-level data from the local police department. Ask the landlord or property manager about any security incidents in or near the building. They may not volunteer this information, but in many states they are required to disclose known safety issues if asked.

Building-Level Security

Evaluate the building's security features. Look for secure entry systems with functioning locks, well-lit hallways and parking areas, working intercoms, and security cameras in common areas. If the building lacks these basics, factor the cost of personal security improvements into your rental budget.

Test all locks on doors and windows before signing the lease. If anything is broken or inadequate, require the landlord to fix it as a condition of the lease. In most jurisdictions, landlords are legally obligated to provide functioning locks on all entry points. Dead bolts on exterior doors and working window locks on ground-floor units are minimum standards.

Inside Your Unit

Request a lock change or re-key when you move in. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous tenant's key exist. Many landlords will cover this cost if asked. Install a peephole if your door does not have one. Use a door security bar or chain for added protection, especially if you are on a ground floor or your building has less-than-ideal security.

Renter-Specific Insurance

Renters insurance costs $15 to $30 per month and covers your belongings against theft, fire, and other losses. It also provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your apartment. Given the low cost and broad protection, there is almost no reason not to carry it. Many landlords now require it as a condition of the lease.

Know Your Rights

Tenants have a legal right to a habitable and reasonably safe living environment. If your landlord neglects security repairs, document the issues in writing and know your state's remedies, which may include rent withholding, repair-and-deduct rights, or lease termination. Research your city's safety profile on SafeCityPeek before signing any lease.