How to Make Your Ground-Floor Apartment More Private and Secure

When it comes to real estate, everyone has their preferences, and apartments are no exception. And there are so many factors to consider when deciding which part of a building you’d like to live in.

For example, do you want to live on a higher floor and have a better view, but deal with it being warmer than other parts of the building? Or would an apartment on a lower floor be better, if the elevator breaks (or the building doesn’t have one at all)?

And of course, safety is another concern — especially for apartments on the ground- or lower-levels. But sometimes, those are the only units available in a building and/or at your price range. In that case (or if you prefer being closer to the ground), here are some tips for making your place a bit safer and more private.

Invest in window treatments

Yes, this one’s obvious, but really important, and overlooked more often than you’d think. Putting up some combination of curtains, drapes, blinds, and/or shades not only gives you more privacy, but it also prevents passersby and would-be burglars from seeing what you have inside.

Install window locks or security bars

Most rental apartments — even in older buildings — should have windows that lock. Whether or not those locks are functional is a different question, so start by checking those. If they don’t work, check with your superintendent, landlord, or building management company to see if they can be replaced. Even with the standard locks, you may also want to install an additional lock, or security bars for another layer of protection.

Ensure the hallways are well-lit

Let’s say someone who doesn’t belong in your building is able to gain access to it: Having dim, poorly-lit interior hallways will make it easier for them to remain undetected. And so whether you rent or own your apartment, it’s a good idea to talk to your building’s management about keeping the hallways sufficiently lit.