Here’s what’s required to stay safe in your apartment

Everybody worries about crime. Many apartment properties are exploring sophisticated alarm systems, security cameras and other high-tech ways to protect their residents.

In Texas, every rental dwelling (includes a rental house) is required to be equipped with some basic, lowtech items that can do a lot to keep you safe.

Every exterior door to your apartment must be equipped with a “keyless bolting device.” That’s usually a deadbolt lock on your door that has a lever on the inside, but nothing on the outside.

That means that — even if a bad guy has a key — he’s not coming in if you’re home unless you choose to let him in. That door is also required to have a wide-angle door viewer (“peephole”) so you can see who’s outside.

Your door must also have a keyed lock so you can lock your door when you leave.

Every opening window must have a window latch that allows you to lock it from the inside. Sliding glass doors must have a pin lock that can keep the door from being opened or lifted out of its track.

Locks and latches are of no value unless you use them. Get in the habit of using that keyless bolting device — it’s there for your safety.

Also, remember that double-cylinder deadbolts, which require a key from the inside as well as the outside, are prohibited on apartment doors by the Houston Fire Code.

Many Houston apartments come with an alarm system already installed.

Like locks, they don’t have any value unless you use them. When you move in, make sure you get the proper permit from the city or county.

In Houston, a break-in alarm and a panic-button alarm require separate permits, but they make it really simple and you can take care of everything online at https:// www.houstonburglaralarmpermits.org.

Every opening window must have a window latch that allows you to lock it from the inside. Sliding glass doors must have a pin lock that can keep the door from being opened or lifted out of its track.