One of the most frequently recommended tools for combating package theft (a.k.a. porch piracy) is video surveillance by way of either a doorbell cam or an independent video camera. That’s all well and good for homeowners, but how does it help renters? More specifically, how does it help those who rent apartments in multi-unit buildings?
Vivint Home Security is among those national brands that recommend video doorbells to homeowners. With landlord permission, a video doorbell is also doable for a rented single-family home. Some landlords even allow video doorbells in multi-family houses. But when you are talking about apartment buildings, a video doorbell might be out of the question.
It’s Really Up to the Landlord
Whether or not a tenant can install a camera or video doorbell is really up to the landlord. Fortunately, today’s technology offers wireless cameras and doorbells that can be attached without the use of screws. Even when screws are used, it is not a big deal. But landlords tend to be reluctant to allow video surveillance due to the liability implications.
Unfortunately, landlords also don’t seem to work very hard to prevent package theft on their premises. We know that because Vivint recently surveyed renters about package theft and its implications. They learned some fascinating things:
- 75% of respondents report that their buildings don’t have package lockers.
- 68% of Gen X renters say their landlords don’t do enough to prevent package theft.
- More than 25% say they would pay $20+ per month for secure package delivery.
- A lack of package lockers increases the risk of theft by 34%.
It is clear that renters don’t feel like they have enough options for secure package delivery. In buildings without package lockers, delivery personnel have few options. Some may be limited in terms of their access, forcing them to leave packages in a common vestibule. Others may have access to common hallways but still need to leave packages in front of apartment doors. It is not a good situation.
Renters Sometimes Suspect Their Neighbors
Another surprising data point from the Vivint survey is the fact that renters sometimes suspect their neighbors of stealing packages. In fact, 25% of the survey respondents suspected at least one of their packages was stolen by a neighbor. That doesn’t make for a very tight-knit community. Does it?
Such suspicions may or may not be unfounded. But one thing is clear: neighbors have access to the same common areas delivery drivers have access to. Any package left out in plain sight is an open invitation to theft. Taking things one step further, a thief living in a multi-unit building with dozens – or even hundreds – of units could do very well for himself without ever leaving the building.
The problem only stands to get worse in the absence of concerted efforts by landlords to act. Online shopping isn’t going to fade away, so package theft will not either. It’s up to renters to find their own solutions.
Remote Delivery Is Best
Right now, the best option for apartment renters is remote delivery to a secure locker location. Most major cities offer public access lockers. In smaller cities where they are not yet available, having items shipped to a friend or relative is another workaround. But that friend or relative has to offer a secure delivery option.
Renting an apartment comes with its challenges. Among them is the threat of package theft. It’s a real and ongoing problem with limited solutions. Here’s hoping that landlords will step up and begin installing package lockers on behalf of their tenants. It is the right thing to do.
