Apartment renters don’t have all the security options that are available to homeowners, but there are still plenty of precautions to take to keep your apartment and surrounding outdoor area safe.

Don’t Allow Unannounced Maintenance Workers Inside. For renters, if a person comes to your door and claims “management” asked that they perform maintenance, ask for identification before letting anyone in. Better yet, contact the apartment manager to confirm that the worker is legitimate before allowing the worker inside your apartment. The same holds true for gas, electric and water maintenance workers.

Keep Your Garage Door Closed When Home. It only takes a moment for a thief to drive by your open garage, check out the contents, grab them and go. Don’t store anything valuable in carports.

Invest In a Safety Deposit Box. Bank safety deposit boxes can cost as little as $20 a year. It’s where you put valuables that you can’t live without.

Consider Adding An Electronic Home Security System. These systems, once installed, can alert you through your cell phone of an intruder. Many are wireless so no drilling into wall or hardwiring is required.

Don’t Be A Recluse. Get to know your neighbors even when renting. Exchange phone numbers. Look out for each other.

Check To See if Apartment Management Uses Onsite Security Guards. Apartment building security guards add an extra layer of security to your own efforts.  Ask apartment management for security guard contact information in case of an emergency.