Don’t Skimp On Your Safety

Moving into your first rental home can be overwhelming; you’re focused on understanding your lease, setting up utilities, preparing for a move-in inspection, and so much more.  There’s quite a bit to do, but one thing you do not want to overlook is your safety.  Use the list below while touring your potential new home to uncover any issues that may need to be addressed.  Here are ten things to review while considering the physical safety of yourself and your guests:

1. Inspect all door and window locks for good working condition and ability to prevent break-ins.  

2. Exterior doors should be secured with a dead bolt and have a one-way interior peephole.

3. Visit the complex at night to see if parking and surrounding areas are clean and fully illuminated.

4. Inspect the parking lot for cautionary signs like broken glass scattered, trash, or loiterers.

5. Check proximity of your unit to high traffic and common areas. 

6. Ask if there is a security system. 

7. If steel bars are protecting the windows, make sure they open from the inside in case of fire.

8. Check your smoke detectors by hitting the “Test” button.  

9. Locate your emergency routes and safe places out of the unit in case of fire or tornado. 

10. Spend time in the common areas observing the residents and getting a feel for the community.

Bonus: It’s always important to review your lease on a tenant empowerment platform like www.LeaseWisely.com to find any additional red flags that may cause you to reconsider signing this lease.  Look for restrictions on tenant rights or a lack of landlord accountability.

Once you’ve applied all this to the situation, there’s one last thing to consider: you’re gut!  If your instincts are telling you to keep digging, trust them.  You may be living here for more than the next year and you must be comfortable with your choice.  Be safe and LeaseWisely, my friend.