Don't Feel the Burn

Forget about location, location, location. A recent fire at an apartment complex in Houston highlights the importance of often overlooked safety features that should top any apartment hunter's checklist.

No one was injured in this incident, but it's worth noting that nearly 4,000 people were injured in more than 95,000 apartment fires in 2008, according to the National Fire Protection Association. So what should one look for when sizing up the safety of an apartment building or complex?

The NFPA's Robert Solomon, spokesman for the life safety division, says prospective renters should gather information much in the same way a person would when deciding whether to go on a date. "Keep your eyes open for things," like clean walkways and an appealing facade to indicate regular care and maintenance, he says. Walkways and hallways should be uncluttered, with doors, railings and staircases in good working condition.

But, just as in dating, looks don't tell the whole story.