Landlords frequently ask me how security should be dealt with. It seems that almost every landlord I have ever met tells me of a security related story wherein a costly break in or act of vandalism has provided grief to their residents, managers, or other staff. To answer, I almost always suggest that these landlords don t leave it all to the Resident Manager or the police. By following these suggestions you can make your building a safe place in which to live. Security of the apartment building in which you live is only as effective as you make it.
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1. Securing your apartment
When the buzzer rings, check identity of person(s) seeking entrance before releasing spring latch on lobby door.
Unknown or suspicious persons seeking entrance to the building should be referred to the Resident Manager.
Make arrangements with a neighbor or the Resident Manager to receive deliveries. Do NOT leave notes on the lobby callboard.
Do not identify yourself on the callboard as a female living alone. First initials identify you. For example: C. Smith.
When moving into a new apartment, have the lock cylinder changed. Before changing or replacing locks in your apartment check with the Resident Manager first. Permission is required, and if obtained, a key must be given to the Resident Manager.
Your apartment door should be equipped with good quality deadbolt locks, with a 1 bolt. Ensure a wide angle door viewer has been installed in the door.
Secure sliding doors on the balcony with jimmy bars or place a length of wood in the bottom track, making sure it fits snugly.
2. Elevators
Do not enter an elevator if you are suspicious of the occupant(s) wait for the next one.
When in an elevator, stand near the floor button panel. In a difficult situation, push as many buttons as possible, particularly the ALARM button. Do not touch the emergency STOP button, as it immobilizes the elevator, perhaps between floors. If a telephone is available lifting the receiver automatically activates alarm.
3. Laundry Rooms
Do not do laundry when you are likely to be alone.
4. Underground Parking
Be alert to vehicles or persons following you into the garage. Never enter your car without checking that it is safe to do so.
Don t expose yourself to unnecessary risk. Drive out of the garage if you encounter suspicious circumstances and report immediately to the Resident Manager or the Police.
Always lock your vehicle and remove all items of value. Take them with you or lock them in the trunk. Any exposed item left in an unattended vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
5. Vacations
Inform the Resident Manager or a neighbor of your departure and return dates and leave a number where you can be reached in case of emergency.
Cancel all deliveries, including mail; or have your neighbor pick up newspapers and mail.
Use clock timers that activate light and radios to give the impression that someone is home.
Small valuables should be stored in a safety deposit box.
Before leaving, check that all doors and windows are secured.
6. Apartment Lockers
Do not store valuable property in your apartment lockers.
Report suspicious persons loitering in the vicinity of locker rooms to the Resident Manager or the Police.
Author Resource:
Shimon Kureshi is the founder and CEO of Hope Street Real Estate Corp, an industry leading Property Manager in Calgary that provides rental homes to thousands of individuals and families in a variety of markets. Visit them at http://www.HopeStreet.ca
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