Would You Pay More Rent for Greater Security?

The results of an Apartments.com national survey, released today, show that nearly all apartment dwellers (96%) who responded take a neighborhood's crime rate into strong consideration when determining where to live.

What, then, are all these renters doing to protect themselves from crime?

The survey reveals that renters, in fact, are being smart and taking proactive measures, such as not letting strangers into their apartment complex, installing deadbolts, owning dogs, and using timers for lighting, televisions, and radios to give the illusion of being home while away from the building.

Survey respondents also indicated they will gladly pay more rent if it means gaining security features for their apartment building that are effective in safeguarding against crime.

The top-five desired features include:

1. In-unit security alarm system (49%)
2. 24/7 building security patrol guards and a doorman (45%)
3. Security cameras on the apartment property (42%)
4. Mandatory tenant screening (30%)
5. Cylinder deadbolt locks on windows and doors (29%)

Would you pay more rent for additional security features? Which features, if any, is your landlord already providing? How much does a neighborhood's crime rate factor into your choice of where to live?

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(Photo © Steven Errico / Getty Images)