If you live in an apartment, your home security should be of top concern. There are many ways to improve your safety and protect your belongings, including door bars and security cameras.
A good quality deadbolt is one of the most important measures you can take to secure your apartment. A high-grade deadbolt discourages criminals by sending the message that your apartment is hard to break into.
Install a Deadbolt
Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or just want to feel safer in your current residence, there are many ways you can reinforce your door security. These methods can be cost-effective and easy to implement, even if you’re not in complete control over the locks in your home.
It’s important to ask your landlord before making any permanent changes. However, if you’re permitted to upgrade your lock, start with a deadbolt. Most burglars can easily learn how to pick a spring-activated lock, but the hardy metals of a deadbolt are much more difficult to break into.
In addition to installing a reliable deadbolt, you should also consider adding a hinge bolt to the inside of your door. These bolts look similar to a chain lock, but they’re much more durable and can help to deter most criminals from trying to kick in your door.
If you’re not allowed to drill holes into the door frame, a portable door barricade or security bar can provide a convenient and effective solution. These bars are easy to install and can provide an additional layer of protection against force attacks and kick-ins.
You should also check the quality and strength of your strike plate. Strike plates are the parts of your apartment door frame that the bolt extends into. A cheap or weak strike plate is a good indicator that your apartment is at risk for burglary, so be sure to replace it with a high-quality model.
Another way to make your apartment more secure is to add a door swing lock, which works similarly to a chain lock but is much stronger and harder to open. Door swing locks are available for both inward-swinging and outward-swinging doors, and they’re a great choice for those who can’t or won’t install a deadbolt.
It’s a little bit more expensive than the other options, but it may be worth the extra cost to ensure that you can stay safe in your apartment no matter who’s at the door. Plus, having a strong lock will likely deter criminals from targeting your property, which may lower your insurance premium in the long run.
Replace the Lock
If your apartment door has a simple knob lock, you can strengthen it by switching to a deadbolt. A deadbolt is a solid metal bolt that locks into a steel strike plate. It cannot be easily manipulated and is very hard to break into through the door. Compared to spring-bolt locks, the deadbolt is far more effective and should be the backbone of your apartment security.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, a locksmith can replace your existing lock or install an extra one for you. However, the cost can be a bit high, especially if you’re in a hurry or need to replace multiple locks. There are DIY kits available that include all the tools you’ll need to reinforce your apartment door and can save you a few hundred dollars.
No lock is completely invincible, but a good deadbolt will send a message to any burglar that the place is protected and will take more time and effort to breach. You’ll also want to replace your strike plate, if you haven’t done so already. The standard strike plates have short anchor screws and are easy to kick in, while the best ones come with longer screws and a deep so-called “strike box” that the bolt locks into.
Another way to beef up your apartment’s security is by limiting who has access to the key. If you have a roommate, talk to them about limiting who they let into the apartment and when. If you live in a newer building, it’s likely that many people like real estate agents and inspectors have access to your apartment’s keys. You may need to rekey the lock to keep these people out of your home.
If you’re renting, remember to consult your landlord before adding any structural changes or modifying the apartment’s lock. This could be considered a breach of your lease agreement and result in the loss of your deposit. A positive relationship with your landlord will ensure that you can discuss any issues, including security concerns, promptly and honestly. And if you don’t feel that your landlord is taking your apartment security seriously, it might be worth it to look elsewhere for housing.
Add a Lock Brace
No matter how low crime rates are in your area, home safety is always a concern. That’s true whether you are a homeowner or an apartment renter. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make your apartment door more burglar-proof without spending an arm and a leg or requiring hours of complicated installation. From security cameras to a simple lock brace, these apartment door improvements will help you protect your space from thieves without breaking the bank or making too much of a mess in your apartment.
If your apartment has an outward-swinging door, a door brace is the best option for you. This device mounts above your existing deadbolt locks as a secondary security feature that’s accessible from inside the door. A door brace will prevent the door from opening in full and includes a latch that gets activated when you receive parcels or open your door to strangers. This will make it harder for criminals to forcefully break into your apartment and will send the message that you take your security seriously.
Another easy and effective way to secure your apartment door is by installing a hinge bolt. These bolts are designed to secure the hinge pins and prevent the door from being kicked in. If your landlord hasn’t already installed these on the doors, ask him to do so.
You should also pay attention to your door frame. If it’s shaky, you should have it replaced by a new one. These come with long anchor screws that will be more difficult for criminals to remove, as well as a deeper so-called strike box that will be more effective at preventing kick-ins.
Lastly, you can improve your apartment door security by adding a portable door barricade or a security bar. This is a great choice for renters since they won’t be able to drill holes in their apartment door frames, and it can be installed from the outside by sliding the yoke under the handle. This solution is also ideal for outward-opening doors because it will stop the door from being forced open by force.
Install a Security Camera
Apartment door security is a big concern for people who live in apartments. This is because burglars may be targeting these types of residences, where they have easier access to the property’s contents. In addition to standard locks, there are a few simple upgrades that can significantly increase your home’s safety. This includes using a lock bar, adding a deadbolt, and installing a security camera. The latter will send a clear message to would-be burglars that the home’s occupants take their security seriously and are prepared to use force to protect themselves.
If you are on the ground floor of your apartment, consider asking your landlord to install a door brace. This will make it more difficult for burglars to kick in the front door, and it can also be used to support a deadbolt. In addition, it’s worth getting your landlord to replace the lock with one that has longer screws. This will make it more difficult for burglars or break-in attempts to jimmy open the lock, even with brute force.
A security camera can be an effective preventative and deterrent measure, as it will send a clear signal to would-be burglars that the occupants of the apartment are not afraid to take action. This type of apartment security device will allow occupants to see what is happening at the front door from inside their home, while also notifying them of any activity with an audible alarm that can be heard throughout the building. Some of these devices can even be connected to a smart phone app, like AlfredCamera, which will let you talk to the person at your door, if necessary.
It’s important to remember that an experienced locksmith can provide the best solution for your apartment door security needs. They will be able to help you identify the best options for your situation, and they can install locks and security cameras quickly and efficiently. They will also be able to advise you on any other issues you might have with your apartment’s security. You should always consult with a professional locksmith before trying to secure your apartment yourself, as doing so without the right tools or knowledge could end up being very dangerous.