In these hard economic times, more and more people are sharing homes. Where in previous years living with roommates was usually reserved for students and young people just starting out independently, nowadays people of all ages and professions decide to share leases and split the costs of homes, even with home security systems, that would otherwise be unaffordable to them. And though the resulting living arrangement can work out well for all parties involved, matters can become risky if one roommate proves to be unstable. Communal living usually does not allow each tenant to have his or her own interior home security system. Imagine how difficult it is to activate an alarm on your bedroom door every time you go to the kitchen – but if your roommate proves to be unreliable, you might have to do just that before you’ve found a better place to live. What follows are some tips on how to handle difficult living situations.
- Before you move in together, make sure to perform a credit check and criminal background check on the other person. No matter how nice he or she seems, they can be financially, professionally, and mentally unstable.
- Make sure to mark your driver’s license number on all your valuable equipment. Use a permanent marker, or for even more security, an engraver. This way, if your roommate steals anything to fence it, the police can recover and return all stolen items to you.
- Get a doorstop alarm. Simple, cheap, and convenient, doorstop alarms let out a piercing alarm when moved. If you’re afraid of anybody coming into your room while you’re occupied or asleep, this is the most effective way to be alerted so you can call 911 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
- Install spycams. Most spycams are easy to install and very affordable. When properly hidden, they can provide invaluable evidence if your roommate commits any crimes in your room.
- Install a good lock on your door, and always lock it when you’re away. Never give out a key, or indicate that your roommate is allowed to borrow any of your personal belongings.
- In the same vein, install passwords on your computer, laptop, and phone, so nobody can gain unauthorized access to them. It’s vital that you protect all your sensitive personal, professional, and financial information, so never allow a roommate to share your computer files remotely.
- Call the police if your roommate becomes threatening, aggressive, or displays any kind of intimidating behavior.
Remember, the best home security system is common sense. If something about your living situation doesn’t feel right, take appropriate action.
