Apartment complex properties offer many potential victims for perpetrators looking to break the law, and studies show that apartment complexes are an attraction for criminals. In fact, if preventive security measures are not properly implemented by the owners of an apartment complex, apartment complexes can become a haven and a breeding ground for criminal activity.
Common criminal activity in apartment complexes can or may include:
- Burglary – whether you’re home or not.
- Rape
- Drug dealing
- Drug use
- Murder
Apartment Complex Negligence and Owner Liability
It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the safety of his or her tenants from potential criminals. And in most states, landlords are required to do so. Not protecting your tenants from potential thieves, assailants and other criminal activity can lead to some major liability issues later on down the road.
Not only may the landlord be responsible for the safety of his or her tenants, but he or she may also be responsible for the acts of the property’s tenants within the community as well. For example, renting to drug dealers could lead to liability issues in a state that has codes and legal statutes regarding this issue.
How to Reduce Negligence and Make Apartment Complex’s Safer
There are many things that property owners can do to protect their tenants and make their properties safer for all. These are just some of the things that you can do to protect your property from criminal activity now and in the future:
- Tenant Screening: Carefully and thoroughly screen potential tenants, including criminal background checks.
- Neighborhood Watch: Start a neighborhood watch program and encourage tenants to actively participate and get involved.
- Locks: Routinely test and examine each lock on all of the apartment complexes doors and windows.
- Security System: Carefully consider the neighborhood that your apartment complex resides in, because you might want to consider installing some kind of security system equipped with cameras and all.
- Lighting: Consider the lighting at night in areas that may be targets for criminals and keep those areas well lit; possibly with cameras as well.
As you can see, there are many things that a vigilant property owner can do with a lot of careful consideration in order to not only avoid liability issues later, but to better protect his or her tenants. Safety for all should always be of utmost importance when you own an apartment complex.
Crime rate statistics vary from state-to-state and from region-to-region, so if you’re interested in learning the current crime rate statistics for an apartment complex in your area, you can do this for free by visiting crimereports.com. Also, if you find yourself in an apartment complex crime make sure to seek legal advice.
