Here are some safety considerations prior to making the commitment:
Are the doors
to the apartment SOLID CORE wooden
doors or METAL? Do these doors have good
dead-bolt locks or at least shielded door knobs to deter access to the locking mechanism. Ask the landlord if the locks have been re-keyed since the last tenant moved out. (If allowed, consider
installing your own locks)
Do the
doors have a “peep-hole” so visitors can be observed without
opening the door?
Do shrubs and trees allow places for concealment near entrances and windows?
Do
windows and
accessible fire escapes have good locking mechanisms?
Good lighting deters crime. Is the lighting adequate near
entry doors and around walkways?
Do outer doors of the
apartment stay locked at
all times?
Are good working smoke detectors in place? There should
be at least two emergency escape routes in case of fire.