Apartment door security can be difficult to manage. While you want sufficient security (not too little or too much), you also don’t want to cause damage to the property. There are many renter friendly upgrades to apartment door security that are inexpensive, simple to install, and removable when you leave.
Evaluating the door is the first, and perhaps the most important, thing to do. Developing a daily routine of habits and doing a couple of smart things at your entry point can give you a substantial amount of security that you’ll experience every day. The trick is to keep it simple, and in a rental environment, this means focusing on improving what you can control and developing habits that minimize your risk. This is probably the most straightforward method to improve apartment door security.
Think in terms of layers. A lock is just one layer; however, visibility, communication, and basic preparation are all additional layers that can be used to build your overall strategy. When all the smaller components of the strategy are working well together, your home is easier to protect and easier to enjoy.
For apartment door security that will actually provide you with protection, focus on quality locks, door fit, additional reinforcement when available, and basic habits that you can develop and maintain.
First, Focus On The Door Itself And Its Fit To The Frame
Before you begin using new products on your door, examine the basics. A door that does not latch properly, has loose hinges, or moves in its frame is much more difficult to secure. A fine lock will not function effectively if the door is improperly fitted.
Inspect the space around your door for gaps. Check to see if your door moves when you close it. Inspect to see if the latch fully engages without being forced. If your door is not properly aligned, report it to your maintenance person. Simple corrections to your door can greatly enhance both your apartment door security and any other upgrades you may have made to your door.
If allowed by your landlord, discover if you can replace your strike plates and/or your hinge screws. Frequently, your maintenance team can accomplish this without changing the appearance of your door. These small additions can enhance your apartment door security and will not damage your door.
Understand What Locks You Now Have And What They Can Do
In addition to your main lock, your rental usually comes equipped with a dead bolt. However, the quality of the locks will differ. If your rental includes only a knob lock and no dead bolt, you should speak with your landlord about replacing the lock. A dead bolt has a tremendous amount of resistance since it fits deeper into the door frame.
Test your deadbolt to determine if it fits completely and feels solid. If your dead bolt binds, grinds, or turns poorly, you should speak with your maintenance team. Worn locks may malfunction or can be more readily broken into.
You should also inspect your building’s electronic entry system. Determine what occurs to electronic entry systems during power outages. Also, determine if the doors will continue to lock. Although electronic entry systems can provide a feeling of security, a reliable mechanical deadbolt is generally the best single layer of apartment door security.
Discover Renter Friendly Upgrades That Won’t Harm Your Door
Among the most sought-after types of upgrades are those that are easy to install and remove. Interior secondary devices that increase resistance when you are home, especially at night, are among the most popular types of upgrades for renters.
As you search for an upgrade, seek the following characteristics:
• Easy to install and remove.
• Stable under pressure.
• Compatible with the direction of your door.
• Compliant with your lease.
Remember, never purchase any type of lock or door hardware that will either obstruct an emergency exit or create a tripping hazard. All security that you add to your home should always allow for a quick and safe exit.
If you need additional peace of mind, a portable door reinforcement device is an excellent layer of protection when you are home alone or at night. Because the product will not alter your lock, it can add a protective layer to your apartment door security without damaging your door.
Look At The Area Outside Of Your Door As Well As The Lighting Around Your Door For Both Visibility And Safety
Better door security occurs when you are able to see the area outside of your door. If your unit already has a peephole, use it. If there is no peephole, request one from your landlord. Many buildings will allow you to use renter friendly video doorbells. However, the rules can vary.
If your hallway is dark or the exterior entryway is poorly lit, speak to your landlord. Increased lighting increases the safety of everyone in your community. Additionally, increased lighting reduces concealment and creates easier identification of activity occurring next to your unit door.
Inside your unit, you may want to consider privacy measures that restrict visibility into your dwelling at night. Covering your windows can eliminate visibility into your unit and your valuables from passers-by. These small improvements can aid in your apartment door security by restricting unwanted attention to your dwelling.
Establish Daily Habits To Improve The Efficacy Of Your Door Security
Your daily routine is typically more important than the physical equipment. A good security program is one that you follow consistently. By developing a few daily habits, you can quickly increase the amount of security that you enjoy.
Simple Daily Habits To Improve Your Door Security
Lock the deadbolt every time.
Don’t let strangers into your home.
Verify the identity of delivery people prior to allowing them access to your home.
Keep your keys organized so that they can be secured and controlled.
If you live with roommates, establish similar daily habits. Most security-related incidents occur due to one roommate assuming another roommate had locked the door. Developing consistent habits can be a simple method to improve your apartment door security.
Ask Your Landlord The Right Questions
Residents can advocate for their own safety and the safety of others in their building by asking their landlord questions relative to their safety. Asking questions is particularly useful when you are renting a unit for the first time, renewing your lease, or submitting a request for maintenance.
Sample questions you could ask your landlord include:
Can the deadbolt be strengthened if needed?
Will my landlord re-key the locks between residents?
How are lost keys handled?
Can the frame and/or the strike plate be reinforced?
You can also ask your landlord if there are any resident-safety-related policies within the building, such as improved lighting, functioning door closers, and regular inspections. These are reasonable considerations that can impact your apartment door security on a daily basis.
FAQ
What is the best renter-friendly door security upgrade?
A strong deadbolt and a consistent routine of locking your door are the base. Renters may benefit from the use of renter-friendly reinforcement devices that add resistance from the inside of the door, as long as they do not hinder a fast exit and do not breach the terms of your lease.
Can I change my locks in a rental?
Some landlords allow it, and some do not. Before you make any modifications to your locks, always review your lease and ask your landlord.
My door does not seem solid, and/or it does not latch. What should I do?
Report it to maintenance. Poorly fitting doors, loose hinges, and poorly engaging latches, regardless of how good the lock is, compromise your security. Simple maintenance can produce the greatest results.
Do I need a camera or a video doorbell?
No. Cameras can help your awareness, but they are not a substitute for a solid door, a reliable lock, and good habits. If your landlord permits you to use a video doorbell, it can be a helpful visibility layer.
What should I ask my landlord about door security?
Ask your landlord about deadbolts, re-keying the locks between residents, repairing the door so that it fits properly, and if he/she will reinforce the strike plates and hinges. These are practical questions that can help you understand the degree of security provided by your entry point.
What to Consider When Looking For Apartment Door Security
Apartment door security is most effective when it improves the fundamentals without compromising the terms of your lease or complicating systems. Reliable door security involves securing the basics, including a proper-fitting door, a reliable deadbolt, affordable, renter-friendly reinforcements, and daily habits that are consistent.
At FlipLok, we believe that reliable protection should be uncluttered, practical, and something you can rely on. Please contact us for more information regarding our residential solution and how layered home planning can facilitate greater, everyday safety.
