Security when not allowed to install security system ?

[Freebird]

Originally Posted by Rabrrita

Just make sure that the staff did enter without notice versus your parents advance age led to them forgetting about the notice.

I asked them when we were talking on the phone tonight and my dad said that the guy definitely just cruised right in with no notice. My parents were unaware of any issues that needed maintenance - they were snug in their bed and were awakened when they heard a voice and the ceiling light came on.

But yeah, Mom could/would totally forget about notice - I'm sad to say that she forgot this was the weekend I'm flying in for my dad's b-day, she asked when I was coming back to see them and was shocked that it is this soon.

She misses their house and felt more safe there (although they weren't, but at least nobody could just walk in - only family had keys, unlike now where several different individuals on the property have access). I really need to get the entry/privacy issue sorted out for them while I'm there (and I will).

[ForLoveOnly]

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[NorthofHere]

Originally Posted by Freebird

My parents moved to an independent living apartment/villa last year. They have never rented before so it's an all-new experience for them. Before moving, they lived in their own single-family home for more than fifty years and there they had a monitored security system - now in this new place they are not allowed to install a security system.

It's not like they have a ton of valuables - not at all. Yet their things are important to them - even though chances are good that if it was a snatch and grab situation, thieves would walk in and think other thieves had already been there (tongue in cheek, but there is a LOT of stuff sitting around!) It's obvious that it's not expensive furniture - it seems like it'd be obvious that it's not a gold mine in there in any way, shape or form.

I feel that they are actually safer where they are now compared to when they lived in their house - from burglars or a home invasion - because in an apartment, it's more difficult to tell when people come and go and whether they are home or not.

I think for them, it's more just knowing that maintenance and the front staff and housekeeping all have keys and can come and go at any time. And while there is supposed to be twelve hours notice to enter in Florida, the maintenance guys have shown up and entered in the mornings while my parents are still in their bed - not because of an emergency situation like water leak or fire, which would be totally understandable - but just because that's when it's convenient for their schedule.

I am going to talk to maintenance about this notice to enter - and housekeeping has a standing time each week to come in (although if my parents are going to be away during that time then they ask the housekeeping not to come in) - but the other problem is that my parents are feeling shaky about leaving their things unattended and are wary that the staff can just come in at any time - and might be coming in at any time when they are not there.

Tim and I have rented more places than we've owned - I, too, wanted to be around when maintenance was in for repairs and as far as I know, they didn't enter without permission in any place we've ever lived. So I understand my parents' feelings - it's just more new and weird for them because they've not done it before.

There's a certain element of trust when you rent, I realize this.

But it's hard explaining this to 85-year-olds - that it's unlikely that anyone is coming in and rooting through their things when they are gone (especially when there are a ton of apartments that actually need work done - and when they are home a lot of the time). And it's complicated because maintenance does come in, and has come in, without notice when they are there - so why wouldn't they think they were coming in with no notice when they were gone?

So their lease says no security system allowed - but I'm thinking that means monitored and windows and doors armed with a code and all. Would you think it would work to put the sensors on the doors so they would alarm if they were opened - that would solve the entry when they are home problem. And I'm thinking about a motion-sensing camera or two (or three) that would push a notification to my dad's iPhone if it picked up motion when they are away.

Maybe overkill, that - but I know how I would feel if I was in their situation now and I would like to do what I can to make them feel more safe from intrusion. I'm not worried about anyone actually doing anything to their things - I would just like to make it where they know if someone has been inside when they're not there and have a way they can scope it out - and have it alarm if they are in their bed and maintenance comes back !

It should seem like common sense to do some of this (for me) - but does anyone have suggestions of what worked for them or for their parents in the same type of situation?

First off, under no circumstances should maintenance come in without knocking never mind notice. Make them send you a text as well as notifying your parents that they need to enter on a certain date and time. This way you can make sure your parents are up and aware and not scared. Install a ring doorbell and have the app on both your phone and your brother's. Your parents will need internet for this to work. https://support.ring.com/hc/en-us/ar...th-Other-Users Having this might make them feel more secure that people can't enter who aren't supposed to.