There’s a famous Plautus quote: “No guest is so welcome in a friend’s house that he will not become a nuisance after three days.” While that may not exactly be true for everybody, Plautus is making a good point — having house guests over can go from good to bad in the blink of an eye, often because they’ve just simply stayed too long. That can make for a really awkward situation.

If you’re hosting some friends or family members at your apartment, here are some tips for making sure things go smoothly with your house guests:

• If you have roommates, you should absolutely check in with them first. Tell them there’s a possibility that guests will be staying over at your apartment. Ask if that would be okay, and if so, how long they may stay.
• Talk to your house guests before they arrive, or preferably, before they make final plans. Let them know how long they may stay with you and be upfront about your house rules.
• You may also want to fill them in on your apartment complex’s rules.
• Going off the previous tip, find out what your house guests’ expectations are. Will they expect you to pick them up from the airport? Do they want you to take them on a tour of the city? Will you be their only transportation? These are important things to know before they arrive so you can plan accordingly. If they will be relying on you for transportation and your work schedule doesn’t really allow it, be sure to give them a heads up.
• Be honest about your expectations, too. If you want your house guests to wash their own dishes and help around the house, you should tactfully mention that when you extend your invitation.
• Once plans are made, make sure you have a place for your house guests to sleep. If you have a small apartment and only have a couch to offer up for bed space, let your guests know so that they can make arrangements to bring an air mattress or a sleeping bag.
• Have clean towels ready for them.
• If you know of any of their favorite snacks or drinks (you can always ask them!), you could pick them up before your house guests arrive. They’ll appreciate your thoughtful gesture.

Laying out rules and being clear with your house guests before they even arrive can help make things go as smoothly as possible. After all, being a host should be enjoyable, not a source of frustration and stress.

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Apartment safety tips may seem like common sense, but don’t get careless and leave yourself open to crime. Here are five apartment safety tips to consider. (Don’t forget to look into buying renters insurance, too!)

Apartment Safety Tip #1: Lock Your Door

Believe it or not, this is one of the most important apartment safety tips. Remember, most burglars are looking for the easiest opportunity. We’ve all left a door unlocked while we get the second load of groceries out of the car. You think you’ll just be gone for a minute, and you don’t want to have to fumble with the key again. You can always set the groceries down beside your door, unlock it, and pick them up again. Also, don’t leave a hidden key in a plant, under the mat, in a fake rock, or anywhere near your door.

Apartment Safety Tip #2: Leave the Light On

Leave a light on for safety, especially when you know you’ll be coming home after dark. If you’re worried about running up the utility bill and going through bulbs, use a compact fluorescent bulb. You might also put on some music at a low volume.

Apartment Safety Tip #3: Be Careful When Answering the Door

Don’t just open your apartment door to anyone, especially when you’re not expecting them. Use that peephole.

Apartment Safety Tip #4: Get to Know Your Neighbors

We recommend finding an apartment neighbor who can be a friend. You can look out for each other. Also, if you should have an emergency, strangers in your apartment complex may ignore you out of fear, but if they know you, chances are they’ll open the door or at least try and get some help.

Apartment Safety Tip #5: Improve Your Apartment Safety with a Pet

Thieves hate pets, especially dogs. Dogs, birds and even some cats can raise a very loud ruckus if a stranger enters your apartment. Consider seeking apartments that take pets and adopt a pet from the local animal shelter. Burglars will probably not want to come in, and you’ll have a great new friend.

Any police officer will tell you that they most frequently get called to apartment complexes about domestic disputes and burglaries. They’ll also tell you that there are a number of things you can look for before you even move into an apartment home to ensure your safety. Choosing a secure apartment can make a big difference in the quality of rest you get at night – and the enjoyment you derive from being at home.

Pay Attention to the Application Process

Did it take an hour or two to complete your rental application? Did they check your references? That’s a good sign, however painful it might have been. Thorough screenings are important if you’re serious about choosing a secure apartment. How well they screen you will be how well they screen your neighbors.

Go with an Upper Floor

While it’s a pain to lug furniture, groceries, and other stuff into the elevator or up and down the stairs, if choosing a secure apartment is your priority, go with an upper floor. Breaking into a first floor apartment sure looks easier to a thief. If it’s in your budget, take a look at high-rise apartments.

Examine the Outside Areas

Take a look at any gates and fences. Are there any? If so, are they just for looks, or are you actually getting some security for your money? A lot of apartment complexes have a big, fancy looking gate and fence at the front, and then nothing at the back, or something so short a snake could jump it. If there’s a keypad entry system, try to go in one day without buzzing in. Try driving through the gate behind another car and see how easy it is. If there’s a security guard, try and talk your way in after the office is closed. Tell him/her that you just want to take a look around the place, and see how easily you can talk your way in.

Trace the steps you’ll frequently take from where you’ll park your car to your apartment, or other frequent areas, such as your mailbox, the laundry or gym area. How well-lit are they?

Examine the Apartment

Take a careful look at the doors and windows. How thick and sturdy are the doors? How easy is it to open a window from the outside? Does the door have a peephole so you can see who’s there before you open it?

Talk to Current Residents

Current residents will know and will probably tell you if there have been a lot of problems. Try to drive around one night after dark and see if there are residents walking around the buildings. If they feel secure, chances are you will too.

Talk to the Management

Find out if the office will check on your apartment or collect your mail for you during an extended absence. Ask them if the locks were changed since the last renter, and if you’re not satisfied, ask to see the receipt for the locksmith. Ask who has access to your apartment and what the policies are for letting employees have a master key.

Talk to the Local Police About Choosing a Secure Apartment

Most police officers are happy to help you before you have to call 911. They may or may not have statistics on the crime rate at a particular apartment complex.

While we can’t assure you that nothing will ever happen in your apartment renting experience, we hope these tips will help ensure that you’re successful in choosing a more secure apartment.

ApartmentSearch by CORT does not guarantee security or safety at any property. For local crime statistics and information, please contact you local law enforcement agency.