Apartment Safety

  • Consider your proposed apartment in relation to Yale Services that are available in the area. (i.e. Does the shuttle travel there?)

  • Notice location of blue phones going toward building.

  • Know which streets are well-lit on the route to your apartment.

  • Notice adjacent properties and whether they are maintained.

  • Does the outside door to the building close and lock behind you?

  • Examine the perimeter lighting of the building at night.

  • Is there an entrance in back (i.e. where you park your car) and is the way to the building door lit well?

  • Is there an intercom entry system? If not, is there a viewer on the door?

  • Are there bug screens on the windows?

  • Check the locking hardware on the main door, any hallway doors and the front door to the building. Are they all in working order and do they close behind you?

  • Talk to tenants in the building. Does the landlord promptly fix things that break?

  • Look at the over all maintenance of the building. If upkeep is poor, this may be a clue that security is lax.

  • Are the first floor hallway and apartment windows protected?

  • Is there a gap in the door latch that could compromise its effectiveness?

  • Is there a dead bolt for the door to your apartment and for any other perimeter doors?

  • Is there a viewer on your front door to determine who is knocking?

  • If there is a fire escape near your window, is the window protected?