Whether you rent or own, your home is your castle and you want your home to be safe. But if you're a renter, just how safe are the people and the things inside your abode?

While you may feel safe and secure in your rental house or apartment, you may not be as safe as you think. For renters, the burglary rate is 80% higher than it is for owners. Given this statistic, beefed up security is extremely important. A security system is a simple solution. However, as with most things that concern a rental, a security system will likely require the approval of your landlord. This doesn't mean that you have to leave security to chance in the meantime; you do have options.

Familiarize Yourself With The Location

If you already signed your lease, this option won't apply; but, if you are on the hunt for a new rental apartment or home, this should be the first step toward safeguarding yourself against intrusion.

Crime rates vary from area to area, and obviously, in areas where crime rates are higher, you are more at risk of being the victim of a burglary. Before you sign a lease, research the crime statistics of the neighborhood.

Check Out The Locks

The strength of your locks can make all the difference in the world when it comes to protecting yourself against burglary.

Inspect the locks on the doors and windows of your rental. Deadbolts are extremely valuable on doors. If the doors don't have deadbolts, ask the property manager or landlord if deadbolts can be installed. If they won't provide you with a deadbolt, ask if you can install one on your own.

If the door does have a deadbolt, ask if it can be replaced. There is the possibility that someone who previously lived in the rental before you still has a key, which can put your security at risk.

Check the security of your windows, too. Obviously, you want to make sure that they lock; however, there are things that you can do to safeguard the windows even more:

• Install a window sensor alarm. These alarms activate when a window is opened or broken, sounding an alarm.
• Install additional window locks. A window pin lock is a great option, as it is strong and it is visible from the outside, which could help deter thieves.  

Get Renter's Insurance

While renter's insurance won't deter a robbery, it can cover any items that are lost or damaged in the event of a burglary. Renters insurance can be as inexpensive as a few extra dollars a month, but it can save you a great deal of money if you are ever burglarized.

If you are a renter, these simple tips can help to keep you, your loved ones and your belongings from burglary. If a security system is an option, consider contacting Maffey's Security Group for assistance.