If you have recently moved into a new apartment, you have likely surveyed the surrounding area to see how safe your new home is. Even if you live in a gated community with security, there are a few common sense things you can do to ensure that you won’t have any problems in the future.

The first thing you can do is to see how good the lighting is in the public areas right outside of your front door and in front of your building. If bulbs are burned out, make sure you report them to the office or to the landlord that is in charge of repairing them. A surprising number of security problems happen when we walk from our cars to our apartments, and it can be especially bad if that area isn’t well lit.

Second, evaluate the locks on your door and see if you are allowed to install your own security locks if you feel that they are necessary. Many leases allow for you to install a chain or another set of locks, as long as you give your landlord or the office at your apartment complex a key. It is extremely important that you ask before you install any security devices on your own.

Finally, introduce yourself to your neighbors, even if it is only for a quick second. It is always a good idea to know those folks who live around you, especially if you are moving into a completely new area. It helps keep crime down and awareness at a high level.