Tips for Safe Off-Campus Living

Below are tips to help you and your roommates live off campus safely and protect yourself and your belongings.

• It is your right to ask your landlord to change the locks before you move in. You never know who may have lived there before and made a copy of the keys or who may have access to your rental property.
• Always keep the doors locked, even if you are home. Be sure your front door has a peephole so you can check who is there before opening the door, especially if you are home alone.
• At night, be sure to close blinds and windows so others cannot see in your home to see you or your valuables. When it's dark out and your lights are on, seeing into your home is much easier.
• Create a list of all valuables you own, along with detailed information to be aware if anything goes missing.
• If a lock on a window or door in your home breaks, contact your landlord immediately to get it fixed.
• If you arrive home and see signs of forced entry, DO NOT go inside. Alert the police immediately and go somewhere safe until they arrive.
• If you have to leave town for an extended period of time, do not share that information online. Have a neighbor check on your home periodically. Hide valuables or take them with you.
• Communicate with your neighbors to keep a lookout for anything suspicious or unusual going on around your home or neighborhood.
• Ask for proper identification for maintenance workers, repairmen, etc. If they are legit, they will have no problem providing it for you.
• Maintain good lighting on the entrance and exterior of your home. If a lightbulb goes out, replace it as soon as possible.