A Resident’s Role in a Multifamily Community

A multifamily community is just that: a community. It is a shared space where success is dependent on the actions of all who live there. While many think keeping a property free of burdens is solely the job of management, residents can also play an integral part in the process.

According to RentCafe, an average of 1.69 people live in each apartment unit. This means many eyes are available to observe and report suspicious behavior. Residents need to do what they can to help management make their community a better place to live. There are many simple, effective actions residents can take.

Personal Property Protection

At a minimum, residents should be encouraged to take responsibility for their personal property.

• Units should be kept locked at all times.
• Keep important items like cash or jewelry in a secure location, such as a personal safe.
• Packages and mail should be gathered as soon as possible. If unable to pick up a package, residents should ask a trusted friend or onsite management to hold it for them.
• Bikes and items held in storage areas should be inventoried regularly. Determining a reasonable time frame for theft becomes difficult if items have not been checked in months.

Vehicle and Parking Lot Awareness

Vehicles in apartment complexes are frequent targets for theft. There are precautions residents should take to protect their vehicles.

• Always keep vehicles locked.
• Never leave valuables in the vehicle. If valuables are left, make sure they are out of sight.
• Do not leave a running vehicle unattended.
• Residents should park in well-lit areas, in a spot close to their unit.
• Vehicles should be checked daily, not just on days they are being driven. Vehicles that have not moved or appear undriven in a while are prime candidates for theft or vandalism.

Community Involvement

It takes a community working together to create an environment where everyone can enjoy living.

• Property management can work with residents to arrange and promote a Neighborhood Watch Program. The National Crime Prevention Council offers suggestions for the best way to start a program.
• Pay special attention to playgrounds and other areas where children play.
• Residents should get to know their neighbors, look out for them, and help when possible.
• If a resident is not going to be in their unit for an extended period, they should have a trusted friend or family member periodically check on their unit, vehicle, and storage area.

Residents should be encouraged by property management to report any suspicious activity. This process should be simple and allow residents to feel they can report anonymously.

Video Surveillance is Key

If the first key is encouraging residents to pay close attention to their personal property and community surroundings, then video surveillance is the second. The right camera system is crucial to verify and document any resident claim.

Watchtower Security’s fully managed system is an efficient way for property management to utilize surveillance. Watchtower’s all-inclusive services allow management to focus on the endless amount of other tasks it takes to run a property.

Camera location is a crucial factor in protecting resident property. Package delivery rooms, storage areas, playgrounds, communal areas, entry/exits, and parking lots all benefit from camera coverage. Watchtower’s system design team works with property management to ensure the surveillance system covers the locations most important to management.

When residents report incidents or suspicious activity, it is important to provide relevant information.

• The location of the event. Building numbers, parking spots, or landmarks within the property are easy reference points.
• A narrow time frame will produce better results. If a resident is unsure of the time, knowing something as simple as whether it was day or night can reduce video review time significantly.
• Every detail a resident can report should be noted. If a suspicious person was male or female, or if they were wearing a red shirt. If a vehicle was involved, what color was it? Was it a car, truck, or SUV?

Collecting this information will help property management obtain the needed video footage. With Watchtower Security, the information is easily entered into MyPortal. The Forensic Review Department takes care of everything from there.

Apartment communities face many complex challenges. A combination of active property management, empowered residents, and a fully comprehensive video surveillance system can lead to better overall communities. To learn more about Watchtower Security’s solution, please contact us.