As a person who rents or leases their apartment, you have the right to feel safe and secure. The last thing on your mind is likely becoming a victim of theft, assault, or any other violent crime while in the comfort of your home. However, the unfortunate reality is that when a property owner does not take the necessary security measures to deter or prevent these crimes from occurring, you and other tenants may become at risk of immediate harm or danger.
Common crimes that happen at New Jersey apartment complexes
When an apartment complex lacks adequate security, certain crimes may be more likely to occur at that complex. A few of the most common crimes that may happen include:
- Theft
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Physical assault
- Rape or sexual assault
- Shootings
- Stabbings
- Carjackings
- Homicides
If property owners do not take the proper security measures to protect their tenants and the complex, criminals quickly become aware of this. As a result, the apartment complex becomes an easy target for these individuals, increasing the chances of crimes occurring.
Are certain areas of an apartment complex more prone to be targeted by criminals?
Even though criminals may target any area of an apartment complex that they can access, there are certain areas of apartment complexes that are typically known to be where criminals commit their acts on residents, visitors, or even employees. These include:
- Parking garages and lots: Parking garages and lots are very common areas for criminals to target residents and visitors of apartment complexes. The reason for this is because parking garages and lots are usually empty at certain times, dark or dim, and provide the perfect opportunity to approach individuals coming or leaving the complex.
- Areas providing amenities: Many apartment complexes provide amenities to residents. However, depending on where they are located and how secure they are, these areas could provide opportunities for criminals to injure or attack residents and visitors. Some examples of areas providing amenities are swimming pools, on-site gyms or exercise facilities, playgrounds, basketball courts, and shared laundry facilities. While these areas are great for the tenants who live at the residence, they can quickly become targets for criminals if they are left unsupervised or adequate security is not in place or maintained.
- Elevators, stairways, or common restrooms: Elevators, stairways, or common restrooms are more prone to be targeted by criminals because they are usually secluded and enclosed. For example, a stairwell may be located on the side of the apartment complex, giving criminals an opportunity to get inside the building or hide without anyone noticing them.
What steps should apartment complex owners take to improve the security of their complexes and tenants?
Most crimes can be deterred or prevented with added or improvement to the security measures. This usually only takes a few small or simple steps, such as:
- Installing new and secure locks
- Placing bars on windows
- Installing or repairing security or surveillance cameras
- Installing or repairing an access gate
- Installing or repairing a doorbell with a video camera
- Installing or repairing a fence around the apartment complex
- Hiring trained security guards to watch the complex
- Ensuring that there are adequate working lights around the apartment complex
- Installing or repairing a security system and alarms
- Screening employees, residents, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who enters the complex
- Responding to complaints, threats, or reports made by residents, visitors, or employees
- Ensuring that common areas, amenity areas, and side entrances are locked and cannot be accessed by outsiders
What do I do if I have been injured due to inadequate security at my apartment complex?
If you have been injured due to inadequate security at your apartment complex, you may feel lost and confused about what to do and where to turn to get help. This is normal as you have most likely informed your apartment complex owner about the threats and crimes taking place, and they chose to ignore or not do anything about it. Below, we will go over five steps you should take following this type of incident.
- Take photos and record videos of your injuries, any areas that are lacking security, and even of any crimes that you see happening at your complex. If you notice criminals or trespassers frequently getting inside the side door of your complex, take a photo or record a video of this happening.
- Inform the police about the crime and your injuries. You can also request a copy of the police report showing that you reported the crime and injuries.
- Seek medical attention right away. This will not only ensure that you receive the proper medical treatment that you need, but it will also ensure that your injuries and condition is documented by the medical provider.
- Gather evidence to support your side of the story. This may include police reports, property records, news reports, medical records, witness contact information, photos, videos, surveillance footage, and more.
- Hire a negligent security attorney in New Jersey. Negligent security attorneys know what it takes to successfully win these types of cases and secure the best outcome possible for you.
At Kwartler Manus, our negligent security lawyers have decades of experience providing representation to those who have suffered harm at apartment complexes due to negligent security. Therefore, if you have been injured due to the negligence of the owner of your apartment complex, we can legally assist you with filing a negligent security claim and pursuing the compensation you need to get back on your feet again. Please fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation in Cherry Hill today.