Stay Safe and Secure: Top Tips for Women Living Alone in Rentals

City living for solo females: Safety first! Across cities, working women and students are increasingly choosing to live alone. While independence is empowering, safety remains a top priority. Unlike buying a property, rentals often involve brokers. Here's how to prioritize safety:

Before you move in:

• Choose a safe neighborhood: Research crime rates in the area and look for a well-lit street with good pedestrian traffic.
• Inspect the house thoroughly: Make sure all doors and windows have functioning locks. If anything is broken, ask the landlord to fix it before you move in. Consider installing additional security features like peepholes or deadbolts if allowed by your lease.
• Get to know your neighbors: Introduce yourself to people living nearby. This can help create a sense of community and make you feel more secure.

Security measures for your home:

• Change the locks: This is especially important if you are unsure who may have had a copy of the key before you moved in.
• Secure windows: Install window bars or grates on ground-floor windows, especially in bedrooms.
• Light it up: Motion-sensor lights outside your house can deter intruders and make you feel safer entering and leaving at night.
• Consider a security system: An alarm system with a monitoring service can provide extra peace of mind.
• Be mindful of what you share online: Avoid posting details about your living situation or travel plans on social media.

Personal safety tips:

• Trust your gut: If someone or something feels off, it probably is. Don't be afraid to say no to visitors or requests that make you uncomfortable.
• Let someone know when you expect to be home: Text or call a friend or family member to let them know your estimated arrival time, especially if you're coming home late.
• Don't advertise that you live alone: Avoid putting your full name and apartment number on your mailbox.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what's going on around you, especially when walking alone at night.
• Keep emergency numbers handy: Program important phone numbers like police, fire department, and a trusted friend or neighbor into your phone for easy access.
• Consider a personal safety app: There are many apps available that can send alerts to emergency contacts or record audio/video in case of danger.

Remember, it's important to be proactive about your safety. By taking these precautions, you can help create a secure and comfortable living environment.