As a renter, you may face unique challenges when it comes to properly securing your valuable possessions, including firearms. 

Landlords are often hesitant to allow modifications to their property, such as drilling holes in the floor for a bolted-down safe. However, neglecting to secure your safe can leave it vulnerable to theft, compromising the safety and protection of your belongings. 

In this guide, we will explore several rental-friendly methods to you can use to secure your safe in your apartment without angering your landlord.

Bolting the Safe to the Wall

One viable option for renters is to bolt the safe directly to a wall instead of the floor. This approach can be an effective solution, provided your landlord approves.

Ideally, your safe model has pre-drilled holes in the back; many models only include anchor holes on the bottom. Our collection of home safes includes both options so be sure to choose a model with anchor holes in the back.

Keep in mind that drilling holes in the body of the safe yourself may void the warranty, and can reduce the effectiveness of any fireproof construction. Be sure to consult the manufacturer and also your insurance provider, before proceeding with this approach.

Walls made from concrete or brick make for the best surfaces to anchor a safe to to. However, in an apartment, more often that not you'll be working with drywall.

With drywall, it is crucial to accurately locate and bolt the safe directly to the wall studs. Drilling into the drywall alone will not provide the necessary security, as a determined burglar could easily tear through the drywall. 

Hiring professional assistance is highly recommended if going this route, both to ensure the bolts are properly aligned with the wall studs, and drilling holes in the wall of your safe if necessary.

Bolting the Safe to a Steel Slab

Another effective rental-friendly method is to bolt the safe to a heavy-duty steel slab. The steel slab should be at least a quarter-inch thick and larger than the width of your apartment's doorframe. 

This size ensures that the slab cannot be easily removed or transported through the doorway, even if a burglar attempts to steal the entire safe.

To implement this method, simply place the steel slab in the desired location and then mount the safe directly on top of it, utilizing the bolt-down holes on the bottom of the safe. 

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity and effectiveness, making it an attractive option for renters who are prohibited from drilling into the floor or walls of their apartment. When you move or dispose of of the safe, you can simply unbolt it from the slab.

Adding Internal Weight to the Safe

While external anchoring methods are highly effective, you can further enhance the security of your safe by increasing its internal weight. This approach involves strategically placing heavy objects, such as iron weights, metal plates, or dense materials, inside the safe. 

The added mass makes it significantly more challenging for burglars to lift or transport the safe, even if they manage to dislodge it from its anchored position.

When implementing this technique, exercise caution to avoid exceeding the safe's weight capacity or damaging its interior components. Additionally, ensure that the added weight is evenly distributed within the safe to maintain its structural integrity and prevent potential tipping hazards.

Hiding the Safe

While not a standalone solution, concealing the location of your safe can add an extra layer of security, especially when combined with other methods. Renters can explore various hiding spots within their apartment, such as inside kitchen cabinets, under sinks, or even behind false walls or panels.

It is important to note that while hiding the safe may delay a burglar's discovery, it should not be considered a foolproof method. Determined thieves often know the common hiding spots and may still be able to locate a well-hidden safe. 

Therefore, it is crucial to pair this approach with more robust security measures, such as wall installation or bolting to a slab, to ensure the overall protection of your valuables.

You Have Options

Securing a safe in a rental apartment can present unique challenges, but with the right strategies and a collaborative approach with your landlord, it is entirely possible to protect your valuable possessions without compromising the integrity of the rental property.

From bolting the safe to the wall or a heavy-duty steel slab to adding weight and hiding the safe, there are various rental-friendly methods available to renters.