• Inspect the property before moving in to check for broken locks, windows, or doors.
• Install security features such as deadbolts and doorstops for extra protection in your rental home.
• Get to know your neighbors and participate in community activities to stay connected.
• Educate your children on potential dangers and how to protect themselves in emergencies.
• Protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands by shredding documents and avoiding suspicious emails or phone calls.
As a parent and a renter, keeping your family safe is always at the top of your priority list. About one-third of Americans are renters, and with the U.S. housing market tight, it is essential to consider safety when renting a home or apartment. Whether you’ve just moved into a new rental property or have been renting for a while, you can take some simple steps to keep your family safe. This blog post will share some renting tips to help you protect your family.
1. Check The Property Before You Move In
Before you sign a lease and move in, inspect the property thoroughly. Check for any broken locks, windows, or doors. Also, check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Ensure that proper safety measures are in place, and if anything needs to be repaired or replaced, let your landlord know immediately.
One aspect that many renters forget is indoor air quality. If you have any concerns about air quality, such as strong odors or musty smells, contact your landlord to find out if there are any actions you can take to improve the air quality. They may also hire a professional environmental hygiene contractor to test indoor air quality. These experts can identify and eliminate sources of toxic mold, mildew, and other airborne pollutants.
2. Install Security Features
Installing security features such as a deadbolt, a peephole, and a doorstop can help improve your family’s safety. A doorstop, for example, is inexpensive but can make a big difference in preventing someone from breaking in. Adding a security system can also be a great idea for extra security.
Some properties come with a security system; if you’re unsure what to do, check with your landlord or research the existing system. If you install a security system, understand the contract and associated fees. You can also look into getting renter’s insurance to provide added protection.
3. Know Your Neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors and the community around you can be beneficial. It can help you identify any suspicious activities, and neighbors can serve as a lookout for each other. Also, building good relationships can help if you ever need assistance. To establish good connections, try these tips:
a. Introduce yourself when you move in
Many people make the mistake of not introducing themselves to their neighbors. But this simple gesture can go a long way in building relationships. Make sure to greet them with a smile, and don’t forget to ask for their names and phone numbers.
b. Participate in community activities
Joining a community group or participating in local activities can help you meet other people and build connections. This is especially important if you’re new to the area.
c. Host a dinner or BBQ
Inviting your neighbors to dinner or throwing a BBQ is a great way to get to know them better. It also helps you become familiar with the area and its people.
d. Be helpful
If you see your neighbors in need, don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. It can be something as small as carrying their groceries or as big as helping them move. This simple act of kindness will go a long way in establishing good relationships.
4. Educate Your Children
Monitoring your children constantly is challenging, but educating them on potential dangers can help them stay safe. Tell them not to open the door to a stranger or provide any information to anyone unless they know it’s safe. Tell them not to play near electrical cords, empty swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous items.
5. Protect Your Personal Information
Protecting your personal information is essential to keeping your family safe. Make sure to shred any papers containing personal information before disposing of them. Also, if someone claiming to be a representative from a bank or another important institution asks for your personal information, double-check their identity before providing any details. It would be best if you also were wary of suspicious emails or phone calls asking for your personal information.
Renting a property doesn’t mean you have to compromise your family’s safety. By following these renting tips, such as checking the property before you move in, installing security features, getting to know your neighbors, educating your children, and protecting your personal information, you can keep your family out of harm’s way. Remember, staying safe is not something you can take lightly, and we have to be always vigilant at all times.