Home Security Systems for Renters
You’re probably already aware that some home security systems aren’t great for renters. You’ll need to be sure to choose a home security system that provides you with flexibility in case of moving and is on the affordable end. In this post, we share some of the top home security providers that renters should consider for their space.
Best Home Security Systems for Renters
- SimpliSafe Home Security Best Overall DIY Security System
- Cove Security Best for Instant Text Alerts
- Nest Best Smart Integrations
- Ring Security Best for Video Doorbells
- Blue by ADT Best for Flexible Monitoring
- Frontpoint Home Security Best for Customer Service
Compare Security Systems for Apartments and Renters
| Pro monitoring starts at | $14.99/mo. | $19/mo. | $10/mo. | $19.99/mo. | $44.99/mo, | $14.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring options | DIY with professional option | DIY or professional | DIY | DIY with professional option | Professional | DIY with professional option |
| Installation type | DIY or Professional | DIY or professional | DIY | DIY | DIY | DIY |
| Contract | No contract required | No contract required | No contract required | No contract required | No contract required | No contract required |
| Trial period | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 1 year | 1 year | None | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 1 year to lifetime |
| Equipment starting price | $259.95 for the Essentials Package | $399 | $199 | $199 | $255.96 for the Smart Home Starter package | Varies based on customized plan |
| Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other smart home compatibility | None | None | Z-Wave | Z-Wave | Z-wave | None |
| Guarantee | None | None | None | 30 days | None | None |
| Safety Score | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
Best Apartment Security Systems Reviews
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month. Self-monitoring is free.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
- Free self-monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
- Research SimpliSafe
Why We Recommend SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe gives you access to some of the latest home security equipment. Each SimpliSafe security system provides intrusion detection, but you can add additional products for home hazard monitoring, video surveillance, and home automation features.
SimpliSafe Equipment
Equipment included with each SimpliSafe system:
- SimpliSafe Base Station
- SimpliSafe Keypad
- Motion Sensor
- Entry Sensor
Our Take on Cove Security
Although Cove Security launched just a couple of years ago, it offers some unique perks, such as the ability to completely avoid a contract by paying for equipment up front. Another major selling point is Cove’s ease of installation.
★ Recommended Plan
Regardless of how you pay for your custom equipment package, we recommend the Cove Plus Monitoring plan, the only option that supports Google Home and Amazon Alexa integrations.
Pros
- Affordable monitoring and equipment
- Installation takes about half an hour
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited equipment selection
- Does not connect to Z-wave equipment
- Smartphone app only available with most expensive monitoring package
Why We Recommend Cove Security
Cove is a great provider for renters with its custom-built packages and payment options. You won’t be pressured to speak with a representative or choose from a set of packages – you get to choose the devices you want and the payment plan that suits your needs.
Cove Security Equipment
Cove offers full customization for your home security needs. You can provide some details about your living arrangements and Cove will customize a package for you, or you can select your own devices. With Cove, you’ll have access to home intrusion detection, video surveillance and home hazard monitoring.
Equipment offered with each Cove security system:
- Cove Touch Alarm Panel
- Sensors
- Smoke, carbon monoxide, and flood sensors
- YI Indoor Camera
- Key remote and medical alerts
Our Take on Nest
Access Google smart home technology with a Nest security system. Even better, Brinks will protect your home with Nest for as low as $19 per month.
★ Recommended Plan
Keep things simple with the Nest Secure Alarm System. You’ll get two Nest tags for easy arming & disarming and access to Google Assistant features. Equipment starts at $399. Professional monitoring starts at $19 per month.Pros
- Reasonably priced DIY option
- Contract for professional monitoring is optional
- Easy to use
Cons
- No variety of preset hardware packages you can purchase
- The cost of month-to-month professional monitoring is higher than contract option
- Could lose one of the arming/disarming tags
Why We Recommend Nest
Nest gives you access to a wide range of Google features and equipment to help you protect your home and manage everyday life.
Nest Equipment
The Nest Secure System stands out from traditional security systems. It includes the Nest Guard Hub, Nest Tags and Nest Detect motion sensors. Instead of using a keypad for arming and disarming, simply swipe a Nest Tag on your way in and out of the door. In addition to intrusion detection, Nest offers smart home products, security cameras and home hazard monitoring devices.
Equipment included with the Nest Secure System:
- Nest Guard Hub
- Nest Tags
- Nest Detect motion sensors
*Google recently announced it is discontinuing the Nest Secure DIY home security system. It is no longer available on the Google Store, and the company will not manufacture any new units. The system is currently still available from other retailers. Current Nest Secure users will still receive Brinks professional monitoring for their existing systems. Nest says that they “will continue to support our security users in all the same ways,” according to CNET.
Safety.com will provide updates on Google Nest Secure as they become available.
Our take on Ring Home Security
Ring offers complete security systems, video doorbells, cameras and more for your home’s protection.The base security system comes with 5 pieces: a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender. This alarm security kit has a retail price of $199.00.
What we like
- Inexpensive equipment and professional monitoring
- Easy to install
- A range of security camera devices
What we don’t like
- Video recording not available without a Ring Protect Plan
- Higher-tiered packages cover more area, but don’t add any features
- Cellular backup not available without a Ring Protect Plan
Why We Recommend Ring Home Security
Ring is a great choice for renters with low monthly professional monitoring and a variety of smart home device options, which includes video doorbells and smart lights.
Ring Home Security Equipment
Widely known for its video doorbell options, Ring takes home security a step further with its Ring Alarm kits. You can choose from several package options that provide intrusion detection, video surveillance and home automation features. Additionally, Ring offers home hazard monitoring with its Alarm Smoke & CO Listener.
Equipment included with a Ring Alarm kit:
- Ring Base Station
- Ring Keypad
- Motion detector
- Contact sensor
- Range extender
Our Take on Blue by ADT
Get trusted professional monitoring and an easy-to-install security system with Blue by ADT. Even better, your first month of monitoring is free. As a Blue by ADT customer, you have the option to do a no contract plan. By doing this, you can purchase the equipment and skip the professional monitoring. You can always go back and add professional monitoring to your system if you decide you need it later down the line.
★ Recommended Plan
For front-door protection, we recommend the Blue Doorbell Camera System. You’ll get the essentials and a doorbell camera for your home. Equipment starts at $109.19. Professional monitoring starts at $19.99 per month.Pros
- Smart home compatibility
- 7-Day Practice Period
- 24/7 professional monitoring available
- No contract option
- Free self-monitoring
Cons
- Limited Blue by ADT equipment
- No smart home add-ons
- Cloud storage costs extra
- Research Blue by ADT
Why We Recommend Blue by ADT
Blue by ADT makes customizing the security system you want easy with a smart home hub, keypad, security cameras, motion sensors for intrusion detection and home hazard equipment. Choose from one of the starter systems or build your own online.
Blue by ADT Equipment
Blue by ADT makes customizing the security system you want easy with a smart home hub, keypad, security cameras, motion sensors for intrusion detection and home hazard equipment. Choose from one of the starter systems or build your own online.
Equipment included with a Blue by ADT system:
- Smart home hub with keypad
- Mobile app access
- 1 FREE month of professional monitoring
Starting at $44.99/mo
Our Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint recently changed its billing model to month-to-month contracts, which we believe shows that the company strives to stay on top of industry trends and cares about customer service. We also appreciate that Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with the major smart home hubs.
★ Recommended Plan
Our recommended Frontpoint plan is the Safe Home Starter equipment package combined with the Ultimate monitoring plan, which will give you access to a smartphone app for monitoring your security devices.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short (30 days) trial period
- No professional installation option
Why We Recommend Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers a selection of premade home security packages that all provide intrusion detection. If you’d like to customize your home security system, Frontpoint makes it easy to add devices like security cameras, home automation products and home hazard monitoring devices. Frontpoint Equipment
Frontpoint offers a selection of premade home security packages that all provide intrusion detection. If you’d like to customize your home security system, Frontpoint makes it easy to add devices like security cameras, home automation products and home hazard monitoring devices.
Equipment included with each Frontpoint security system:
- Frontpoint Hub
- Frontpoint Keypad
- Door/window sensors
- Motion sensor
- Yard sign
- Window decals
- Door sticker
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Showing 6 of 6 providers
How Do We Rank the Best Apartment Security Systems?
At Safety.com, we constantly refine the list of our best providers. We update often to provide up-to-date equipment and service information with our insights. When ranking our best apartment security systems for renters we consider value, brand reputation, availability and warranty. We also consider technology, flexible contracts and installation. Learn more about our reviews and rankings methodology.
Best Home Security Equipment for Renters
Home Security Tips for Renters
- Get renter’s insurance. In case anything happens, you’ll have coverage over your valuables. Some property managers require it, but it’s good to have even if not.
- Double down on door security. Standard locks can help protect you from thieves, but consider adding a door jammer or deadbolt to withstand forced entry just in case.
- Get to know your neighbors. Together, you and your community can help reduce the risk of dangers in your area. Start by exchanging numbers so if there’s an emergency, you can both stay safe.
- Buy a safe. Invest in a home safe to store your prized possessions instead of a drawer or under the mattress. In case anything happens, your valuables will be out of sight.
- Cover your windows. Keep your windows covered with curtains and blinds to avoid giving lurkers a crystal clear view what’s inside your home.
Bottom Line: Finding the Right Security System for Apartments
Choosing the best security system for your apartment doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a number of affordable brands that still provide advanced features like home automation and video surveillance. Our top three picks, SimpliSafe, Cove, and Ring, check off all of the features we’d like to see in DIY security systems with the flexibility and affordability you don’t always find with traditional providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security Systems for Renters
Can a renter get a home security system?
Your particular case will depend on your landlord, but as a blanket answer, yes. As a renter, you can get a home security system, however, we’d recommend choosing one that you can install on your own for easier portability.
Can apartment renters get an ADT security system?
Yes, as a renter you can get an ADT security system. We’d recommend choosing a Blue by ADT security system, which can be self-installed. With Blue by ADT, you’ll get wireless equipment, and you can choose whether or not you want to pay for monthly monitoring. If you do opt for monthly monitoring, your first month would be free, and from that point forward, you’d only have to pay $19.99/mo.
What can renters expect to pay for a home security system?
Renters can expect to pay at least $100 worth in equipment and at least $8/mo. (and that’s on the low end) for professional monitoring. If you want additional features like security cameras, smart home devices, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, and others, then you’ll definitely pay more.
Should my landlord be responsible for installing my security system?
Some apartment complexes have security systems pre-installed and if you would like to use it, you’ll be responsible for activation, monthly costs and any additional fees. Consult with your landlord about negotiating any fees, but bear in mind they are not required.
Can I get a discount on my renter’s insurance if I install a home security system?
Some insurance providers offer insurance rate discounts to homeowners and renters with security systems. Check with your insurance provider for any potential savings.
How can I secure my apartment?
One of the best ways to secure your apartment is to purchase a DIY home security system with motion sensor, door/window sensors and a security camera. You’ll have well-rounded protection with video surveillance, giving you the ability to view live footage or watch recordings.
How can I protect my rental on a budget?
If you’re on a budget, you can protect your rental at minimum with a security camera. If you can’t afford a full home security system, look into video doorbell and indoor security camera options that will allow you to get notifications when activity is detected inside or outside of your apartment.
