Renters face unique challenges when it comes to securing the homes they live in and keeping their families safe. Many lease or rental agreements include restrictions against wiring or drilling into the home. Therefore, renters have to be careful when it comes to installing cameras or other security equipment.
No one should have to put their family's safety at risk because of a rental agreement. Fortunately, there are versatile home security options that don't require permanent installation. The best security systems for renters are designed for quick and easy installation, removal, and portability. Here's how to protect your home and family without installing a permanent security system.
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Why Permanent Installation Isn't Ideal for Renters
If renters install permanent security systems in violation of their rental agreement, they could face immediate repercussions. Depending on their contract, they could be forced to pay fines to repair the damage caused to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. They might also lose their security deposit or face eviction.
Even if some landlords allow permanently-installed security systems, renters may still want to look for more portable alternatives. It's not unusual for renters to move every few years. Therefore, investing in a permanently-installed security system won't give a good return on investment if they have to leave it behind after just a few years.
How to Secure Your Home Without Permanent Modifications
You don't have to install a permanent home security system to keep your family and rental home safe. With the right wireless system, you can protect against thieves, fires, and other risks without worrying about losing your investment the next time you move. Here are a few effective ways to secure your home without breaking your lease agreement or causing any long-term modifications or damage.
Invest in Wireless Security Systems
Just as the name suggests, wireless security systems are designed for easy installation without permanent wiring or drilling. Many wireless systems are designed for easy DIY installation with minimal tools. They may sit on shelves or use wall-safe adhesives for mounting. Installing a wireless security system can help renters protect their security deposit while simultaneously enhancing their safety.
Wireless home security for renters often offers app-based surveillance. This makes it easy for renters to receive alerts and monitor their space via their smartphone or other smart device. Some security system apps also allow renters to remotely control smart features like lights, cameras, thermostats, locks, and sensors.
Opt for Peel-and-Stick Sensors
Security system sensors are electronic devices that serve specific security-related functions. Some are designed to detect breaking glass while others send an alert when a door or window is opened. Beyond detecting intruders, some security sensors can also alert home occupants of carbon monoxide, smoke, or water leaks.
In permanent security systems, sensors are often mounted securely to windows, doors, or walls using screws. In portable systems, sensors are often installed using peel-and-stick adhesive strips. These allow for quick installation with the convenience of easy removal or placement adjustments.
Install Portable Cameras
The standard permanent home security system typically includes one or more securely-mounted cameras. These are typically installed using mounting plates and screws for long-term reliability. Wiring for permanent home security cameras often extends through the ceilings, walls, crawlspaces, or attics. This may provide a clean, tidy look, but it's not ideal for renters who can't make permanent modifications to their homes.
Fortunately, there are reliable home security systems that offer portable cameras. They're typically installed using standalone mounts or adhesives. Due to their non-permanent nature, they can be easily relocated to new locations of the home as the renter sees fit. They can also be packed up and moved to a completely different home if the renter moves. Many portable cameras don't have long-term monitoring contracts, which can help renters save money on their home security needs.
Comparing Top Security System Types
When shopping for apartment security systems without drilling, it's important to consider installation ease, mobility, and landlord-friendliness. Here's how some of the top brand names in portable home security systems compare in these areas:
Easy Installation
SimpliSafe, Ring, Brinks, and Guardian are all known for their easily-installed DIY home security systems. However, users must carefully follow the installation and programming instructions to avoid false alarms and ensure proper placement of any included sensors.
Mobility
ADT, SimpliSafe, Cove, and Ring all offer highly mobile security systems that are perfect for renters and homeowners who move frequently. They all feature drill-free installation and are simple to uninstall and move as needed.
Landlord-Friendly Setups
Landlords tend to prefer portable security systems for apartments, regardless of the brand. As long as the system relies on removable tape instead of screws and drills for installation, most landlords should approve.
Tips for Balancing Affordability, Flexibility, and Effective Protection
When shopping for the best home security system for renters, it's wise to consider affordability, flexibility, and protection. Here are some tips for finding the proper balance between all three:
- Compare quotes from different portable home security system providers, being careful to compare systems that offer similar features and services.
- Choose providers that offer reasonable professional monitoring or low-cost or free self-monitoring options, depending on the level of protection you prefer.
- Choose peel-and-stick equipment to comply with rental agreements and make it easy to take your system with you when you move.
- Use systems that integrate with other smart home devices (such as Alexa or Google Assistant) so you can automate your home without additional monthly fees.
- Prioritize high-risk areas (such as first-floor windows and doors) to get maximum effectiveness from your system.
- Compare both equipment prices and recurring monthly fees of different security system providers to make sure you're getting a good deal.
Renters looking for portable security systems for apartments often find it challenging to compare prices and features across multiple companies. Smart Security Concierge can simplify the process by matching you with reliable security systems that meet your budget, location, and portability needs. Contact us today to schedule your obligation-free consultation.