Safety Hat - Rentals

Find out how safe the area is before you rent.

Do some research on the internet
Websites that have crime data:
In the United States, local police agencies, NeighborhoodScout, and CrimeGrade.org all report crime statistics.
Instead than looking at single events, look for patterns throughout time.

Community Platforms:
Local or nextdoor Facebook groups might help you learn about problems that affect your neighborhood.
Read about both good and poor experiences to get a fair view.

Come at Different Times
Day and Night: A neighborhood may look safe during the day, but it may not seem safe at night.
Look at how busy, bright, and noisy the place is during the week compared to the weekend.
Look at the people and traffic. Are the streets well-lit? Are families walking by? Are people jogging? These can be good signs.

Talk to people who live there now and locals
Talk to folks at the parks or cafes in your area, or knock on a few doors.
If you live near a campus, ask other students what they think.
Property managers may check on general safety measures like security patrols and locked doors often, but they might not tell you everything.

Look for signs of safety
Vibrant common areas, working lamps, and well-kept paths.
Signs for neighborhood watch or police and fire stations close by.
Safe entry systems for apartments or gated communities.

Think about more than just safety.
Rent may be high in a "safe" area, so consider sharing a room to save money.
If you have to rent in a neighborhood that is cheaper but less safe:
Choose a place to live that has strong lighting, cameras, and secure locks.
Instead than going out alone at night, use ridesharing or school shuttles.

When it comes to feeling safe at home, peace of mind is more essential than crime numbers. A lot of students say they realized they had found the right school when they could see themselves walking home from class late without feeling scared.