Many of us don't think about safety when looking at a place to rent, but it's an important issue to consider. Some things to look for are:

• Is the address well-marked and lighted?
• Is the building neat and clean in appearance and well-maintained?
• Are trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent hiding places?
• Is the outdoor lighting-front, back, and parking area-adequate? What about inside the building?
• Are the entry doors solid core wood or metal? Do they have deadbolt locks and eye viewers?
• Do easily accessible windows/sliding glass doors have secondary locking devices, such as charlie bars, pin locks, or dowels?
• Do the locks and latches work properly, including on the windows?
• Does at least one window in every bedroom open for escape in case of fire?
• Is the laundry room locked and lighted at all times?