Whether you have been living on your own for years or this is your first time, apartment security is an important thing to keep in mind. While many apartment complexes offer gated entrances and apartment security systems, common sense is often your best source for staying safe.

Having a secure apartment starts with the doors and locks. First and foremost, be sure that the locks are changed before you move in. Don’t give extra copies of your keys to friends, because your landlord will have an extra key if you need one. Make sure the lock is in good working order, has a deadbolt and a keyless deadbolt for extra security when you are home. Make sure patio doors and sliding doors can lock securely, too.

When coming and going from your apartment, going to your car or walking about the apartment community, keep your wits about you. Simple things like talking on your cell phone or leaving your door unlocked while you take a walk or leaving your laundry unattended can invite a thief to take advantage of the situation.

Keep your possessions firmly in your grip or insight, always lock your door and have your keys ready before approaching your door to enter your apartment. Make sure the lighting is bright and working throughout the complex and shrubbery near your apartment doesn’t offer a good hiding place for someone to wait for you. When you leave, lock windows and patio doors, even if they are closed a thief may check them to gain entrance to your apartment.

Be careful about the information you give out on social networking sites about where you live and your travel plans. It’s a very good idea to set timers on your lights for when you plan to be out of town or coming home later than usual. Get to know your neighbors and look out for each other if something seems wrong.

Finally, getting renter’s insurance is a smart way to protect your belongings in the case of theft. Take an inventory of your belongings on both paper and with photos and keep it in a safe place. Make use of your apartment security system, know the location of all fire extinguishers and keep smoke detectors in working order.