How savvy tenants can get landlords to prevent crime.

Renters seem to be particularly hard hit by burglaries and assaults on residential property. Criminals often target large rental communities because their size and bustle serve to absorb an intruder's presence. And unlike homeowners, renters are usually not in a position to install effective deterrent measures such as sturdy locks.

What can you do if you think your landlord's attempts at providing a safe place to live are inadequate? It's scant comfort to know that you may be able to sue your landlord if your unit is burglarized or you are assaulted. Landlords in most states now have at least some degree of legal responsibility to protect their tenants from foreseeable would-be assailants and thieves and from the foreseeable criminal acts of fellow tenants.

A landlord who has been sued will almost certainly beef up building security. It's far better, of course, to avoid crime beforehand by asking the landlord to put enhanced security measures into place when you move in. Here's what a savvy tenant -- or better, group of tenants -- can do to convince an ignorant or reluctant landlord to take care of business.

1. Demand the security promised to you. Few landlords can resist the urge to puff up the attributes of their property when you're considering renting a unit. Many, knowing that security is high on most tenants' lists, will assure you -- through advertisements or orally -- that the property is safe and protected by security systems and personnel. If you rely on these promises when deciding to rent, you are entitled to see them carried out. Your landlord's failure to provide the promised doorman, rekey the locks, or fix the broken door lock may be grounds for you to take legal action, as explained below.

2. Check state and local laws. In many cities and states, landlords must provide minimum safety equipment, such as peepholes, deadbolts, window locks, and safety glass. To find out whether such laws apply to your landlord, get a copy of your local housing code from your city manager or mayor, or look it up on the internet or in your public library.