I have moved 23 times in my life! But I have only owned two homes. That means that twenty-one out of the twenty-three places I lived were either rental apartments or dorm rooms. More importantly, most of them were not in the best parts of town. Home security was always a concern for me, and I would like to help make it less so for you.
How Can I Secure the Front Door of a Rental Apartment?
Securing the front door of an apartment is essential for your safety and the safety of your family. However, it is different from securing the front door of a house you own. For starters –as a tenant- you are limited by the type of permanent modifications you can make. You cannot change doors or put holes in the wall. But do not worry; you have plenty of great options to make your front door more secure without losing your rental deposit!
For this task, SecureHomeHero covers three levels of security to help make you safer regardless of your budget or skill level (I know…..not all of us are handy-men).
I assure you that whichever level you choose (or can afford), by the end, you will feel like a Secure Home Hero!
DefCon 1: Common Sense.
Budget needed: Zero.
Believe it or not, this is the most important level of security, and luckily the cheapest. How much money do you need? None! But if you suck at this level, there is no amount of money in the world that can save you. Here are the basic actions you can take today to be a basic hero:
Believe it or not, this is the most important level of security, and luckily the cheapest. How much money do you need? None! But if you suck at this level, there is no amount of money in the world that can save you. Here are the basic actions you can take today to be a basic hero:
Action 1: Be Smart.
(In other words: Do not be stupid!) Even if you have the most advanced security system in the world, and even if your brother-in-law is the chief of police, you will not be safe if you leave your front door open or unlocked.
What good is a heavy-duty deadbolt if you do not lock your door? What good is a security camera if you leave it unplugged?
Teach your family members to lock the front door each time they enter or leave the apartment.
Don’t give your key (or a copy of your key) to your friends. Just because you fell in love with an amazing person, doesn’t mean you hand over the keys to your apartment. You never know, your dream friend today could turn into a stalker next month. The only people who should have a key to your place are the people who permanently live with you.
If you have an intercom system (to buzz people into the building), do not let anyone into the building unless you are sure of who they are.
Action 2: Have a good relationship with your landlord.
Whether you like your landlord or not, he or she will respond to you much quicker if you are friendly, pay your rent one time, and take care of their property.
If you have developed a lousy relationship with your landlord (whether a person or a company), fix the relationship today! Bake cookies and share. Apologize for any wrong you did, and pay your rent on time. Your landlord will be much more likely to listen to your concerns and respond.
When you communicate with your landlord about issues (including security issues), communicate in writing. Preferably, use email so you can have a record of the back and forth conversations. Here are a few tips for sending an email to your landlord:
- Be nice and cordial, even if you are angry.
- Describe the situation accurately without embellishment (pictures speak volumes).
- Suggest (do not demand) the ideal solution to your problem.
- Nicely, request a response within a reasonable amount of time (for example, 48hrs).
- If you do not hear a response within the timeframe, follow-up with another email.
Action 3: Check the hinges, strike plate, and handle of your apartment front door.
Open your front door and check the screws holding the door hinges in place. Are they loose? Tighten them up.
Check the screws holding your door handle and deadbolt in place. Are they loose? Tighten them up.
Check the strike plate. Is it there? If it is missing, you need one (ask your landlord). Is it loose? Tighten it up.
If any of the screws on your door are stripped (they turn and turn in place without ever getting tight,) let your landlord know and ask for repair. You can replace a stripped screw yourself if you feel comfortable.
Action 4: Test your door.
Grab your key, go outside the apartment, and lock your door. Do not lock the deadbolt. Now push your door with your shoulder. Lean into it with some force and see if the door slips open (in other words, you are testing if the door latch is catching well). If you can push open your door, contact your landlord.
Have you taken all the steps in DefCon 1? Congrats, you have taken the first step towards becoming a Secure Home Hero.
DefCon 2: Basic Security Options.
Budget needed: Low – One time.
Ok, so your door is in good shape. It is tight, and it locks properly. But this is still very basic security. Let’s take it up a notch.
Action 1: Block the View.
If your door has clear or semi-clear glass panels, get glass lamination privacy film to block the view of any intruders. This is something you can easily pick up at any local hardware store or hobby shop. Just make sure it is removable (As a tenant, you do not want to make any permanent modifications).
If you would like to pick up something online, here is a link to a non-glue removable privacy film.
Action 2: Get Notified.
Whether you are asleep, or in the kitchen, you need to know when someone opens the front door. Anything that makes noise when the front door is opened will act as a basic alarm to scare away intruders and give you a heads up, so you are not surprised.
A simple wind chime would do. A wind chime gives a pleasant calming sound whenever the door is opened and alerts you that someone is home. You can pick one up at your local hobby store, or make it yourself. The disadvantage of a chime is that it can get annoying if you have many people coming in and out.
A Basic entry alarm has the advantage of being turned on or off whenever you like. This is not part of a home security system. It is a standalone product that can be easily set up. Another advantage is that you can easily take with you when you move (or when you go to a hotel room!) Here is my favorite entry alarm.
Have you taken all the steps in DefCon 2? Wow, now you are a Secure Home Hero recruit.
DefCon 3: Moderate Security Options.
Budget needed: For set up: low to moderate, Monthly – Low.
Want to be a SecureHomeHero veteran? Here is the deal. Your apartment front door is now in good basic shape, and you also have a basic warning system when someone enters and leaves. Time to fortify your defenses! Let’s make the door much stronger and the alarm much more effective.
Your limitations
As a tenant in an apartment, you cannot make permanent modifications to your door without the landlord’s written permission (see the section above about having a good relationship and communicating with your landlord.) Even if you are allowed to make such modifications, it means you have to leave your gear behind if you move. That is why I recommend the more practical and frugal use of removable systems.
Action 1: Door Jammers.
A door jammer is a removable device that fortifies your front door. It adds a level of security and reinforcement. There are many types on the market, but be careful of cheap ones. Cheap usually means more and more plastic parts that would not hold under pressure (like someone ramming your door.) What you want to look for is a sturdy, steel-based door jammer. Here is a link to my favorite steel constructed with no plastic parts door jammer: The BuddyBar.
Advantages of door jammers:
- Portable: so that you can take it with you to a hotel, or new apartment.
- Flexible: so you can move it from your front door to the back door if needed.
Disadvantages:
- A door jammer has to be set and reset every time you open the front door.
- A door jammer is technique sensitive. Make sure you set it at the right angle and the right tension.
- A door jammer can only be used while you are inside the home, not when you leave.
- TIP: Make sure the Floor and rubber gripper are clean. Remove any dirt, sand, grime or grease (even floor or wood polish) for maximum traction.
Action 2: Basic Door/Peephole Camera.
Wouldn’t you like to know who is lurking outside your front door? Wouldn’t you like to know if someone is checking your place out while you are away?
The basic door peephole lets you know who is at the door before you open it. But it is not enough. Installing a front door camera is always a good idea. Cameras are your eyes and ears when you are not home. Modern security cameras detect, record, and notify you when there is movement at your door even in the dark. You can see the mailman leaving your package at the door, and you may see someone take it away.
As a tenant, you may not be able to drill into the walls to install surveillance cameras. Moreover, these cameras might be stolen or vandalized if your apartment complex is crowded with kids and teens. But do not worry, you have a wonderful alternative. A camera system that is easy to install (and uninstall) and it cannot be stolen.
A peephole camera installs in minutes after you remove the existing peephole viewer (save the peephole viewer so you can install it back before you move out. It belongs to your landlord). Here is an ideal one for an apartment: LaView Wireless WiFi & Cloud Video Bell
Have you done all the steps above? If so, put your cape on: You are a SecureHomeHero Veteran!
What if my front door does not have a peephole?
If your door does not have a peephole, ask your landlord if he or she would put one in. It is a very basic safety feature. (see the section above about having a good relationship and communicating with your landlord.)
Oh, one more thing:
Before you go, a word of warning:
In the 21st century, most of the ‘break-ins’ and ‘thefts’ that target you and your home do not come through the front door, they are digital attacks and digital theft. SecureHomeHero gives you clear, simple steps to secure your computer and network. Check out this article.