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TechnographMulti-faceted safety often overlooked as priority
Comprehensive research needed of doors, locks
By Candace Hays
Posted: 2/6/07 Section: Housing Guide
Most students cannot afford the luxury of a costly apartment. However, a cheap and affordable apartment may also mean paying for inadequate safety and security.
"Anytime, you are offered a deal, just think about what you are compromising," Officer Tony Ortiz, crime prevention coordinator for the University Division of Public Safety, said. "You could be compromising your safety."
Ortiz said that students should use all the local resources available to them.
The Tenant Union is a resource for students who need housing-related advice. The Tenant Union offers several services to students, such as providing landlord complaint records and reviewing leases.
The most important safety issue is finding a good landlord, said Esther Patt, coordinator of the Tenant Union.
"Most people don't understand that there is a difference between good and bad landlords. Complaint records make that distinction clear."
Loren Zuiderveld, graduate student, said. The complaint records put things into perspective.
"The records really show you the agencies with problems, especially those with numerous complaints," Zuiderveld said.
The police department provides additional information concerning location for prospective tenants. The University Police Web site offers a crime map and crime statistics, illustrating where high concentrations of crimes occur.
Before signing the lease, a prospective renter should examine the security of the apartment. The two main entry points are through the doors and windows, Ortiz said. Renters should inspect the type of doors and locks.
"If you buy a home with a hollow-core door, they are worthless," Ortiz said. "You can put your foot through. You might as well live outside in a tent."
Doors with chains are also problematic because the chains are normally held together with small screws and nails.
"Someone can kick the door open very easily," Ortiz said.
Latasha Coleman, senior in AHS, invested in a new lock when she moved into her apartment.
"Anytime, you are offered a deal, just think about what you are compromising," Officer Tony Ortiz, crime prevention coordinator for the University Division of Public Safety, said. "You could be compromising your safety."
Ortiz said that students should use all the local resources available to them.
The Tenant Union is a resource for students who need housing-related advice. The Tenant Union offers several services to students, such as providing landlord complaint records and reviewing leases.
The most important safety issue is finding a good landlord, said Esther Patt, coordinator of the Tenant Union.
"Most people don't understand that there is a difference between good and bad landlords. Complaint records make that distinction clear."
Loren Zuiderveld, graduate student, said. The complaint records put things into perspective.
"The records really show you the agencies with problems, especially those with numerous complaints," Zuiderveld said.
The police department provides additional information concerning location for prospective tenants. The University Police Web site offers a crime map and crime statistics, illustrating where high concentrations of crimes occur.
Before signing the lease, a prospective renter should examine the security of the apartment. The two main entry points are through the doors and windows, Ortiz said. Renters should inspect the type of doors and locks.
"If you buy a home with a hollow-core door, they are worthless," Ortiz said. "You can put your foot through. You might as well live outside in a tent."
Doors with chains are also problematic because the chains are normally held together with small screws and nails.
"Someone can kick the door open very easily," Ortiz said.
Latasha Coleman, senior in AHS, invested in a new lock when she moved into her apartment.
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