When you are selecting a place to live, you obviously will want to feel safe in you new residence and the surrounding neighbourhood.
The landlord should ensure that the tenant`s rental space is safe and secure, but the overall safety will differ from location to location.
Safety issues vary from urban to rural areas. In town and cities, tenants have to consider the crime level in a neighbourhood, lighting in parking areas, entrances and walkways, and the level of security of both the building and living space.
In rural areas, safety concerns include cellular phone coverage areas, access to emergency services and the distance to after-hours medical care.
When you are looking at prospective accommodations, you should be asking questions such as:
• How safe is the area?
• House secure is the building?
• Is the building prepared for unexpected events, such as a fire?
• Are the fire escape routes well marked?
• What is the crime rate of the area?
Always consider the safety of any area before you decide on renting in it. You should be checking with the local police about crime as well. Tour the area in the daytime and see how busy it is during business hours.
Building safety is a important issue, ensuring basic physical security is the easiest place to begin a safety check of prospective accommodations.
This includes checking the locks on windows, doors and how the security system works. You should also see how easy it is for someone to access the building.
When you are choosing a place to live, never prioritize your safety last, it is an important issue that should be near the top of your list.
Heleen Jacobsen
Broker of Record with InfoMarket Group GMAC Real Estate
www.infomarketgroup.com
