# Apartment Security: 9 Tips to Keep in Mind
Apartment dwellers need to take deliberate steps to protect their homes and belongings. Renters and owners alike face specific security challenges that differ from single-family homes, requiring targeted strategies.
Lock all entry points. Doors and windows demand deadbolts and secure locks. Check that sliding doors have bars or stoppers. Apartment residents should test every lock before signing a lease or moving in. Broken locks fall on landlords to repair, but tenants bear the risk until fixes happen.
Install a video doorbell. These devices record visitors and package deliveries. They deter thieves and provide evidence if theft occurs. Renters can often install battery-operated models without landlord approval.
Secure your apartment number outside. Avoid displaying it prominently on doors where delivery people or strangers can easily see it. This reduces unwanted visitors and package theft targeting specific units.
Use window treatments to block sightlines. Curtains, blinds, or shades prevent people outside from seeing your belongings, electronics, or when you're away.
Establish relationships with neighbors. Knowing who belongs in your building helps identify suspicious activity. Neighbors can collect packages and watch for break-ins when you travel.
Vary your routine. Predictable schedules signal when apartments sit empty. Change your departure and arrival times regularly. Ask trusted neighbors or friends to create activity in your space while you're gone.
Don't advertise absences. Avoid posting vacation photos on social media until after returning home. Criminals monitor online activity to target vacant apartments.
Store valuables strategically. Keep jewelry, cash, and electronics out of plain view. Use bedroom safes for irreplaceable items. Thieves work quickly and target visible, portable goods.
Report suspicious activity immediately. Alert building management and police about unfamiliar people,