Last Updated: April 2026
About 44 million US households rent. Apartments are burglarized at higher rates than owned homes — ground-floor units especially. But most renters skip security because they think it requires drilling, contracts, or landlord permission.
None of that is true anymore. Every system below uses adhesive mounting, wireless sensors, and month-to-month plans you can cancel when your lease ends.
What Renters Need From a Security System
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No drilling | Adhesive-mount sensors peel off cleanly. No holes in walls or door frames |
| No contract | Leases end. You need to cancel or pause monitoring without ETFs |
| Portable | Take it with you when you move. Re-mount with new adhesive strips ($5) |
| No landlord approval needed | Adhesive sensors and wireless cameras require no modifications to the unit |
| Affordable | Renters want $0-20/mo, not $40-60/mo contract monitoring |
| Works on apartment Wi-Fi | Shared networks can be slow. Systems with cellular backup are more reliable |
Best Security Systems for Renters
| System | Equipment | Monthly | Contract | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | $199 (Smart Security Kit) | $0-20 | None | Smart home renters (HomeKit, Alexa, Google) |
| Ring | $199 (Alarm Kit) | $0-20 | None | Camera-focused renters, Alexa users |
| SimpliSafe | $199-$510 | $0-28 | None | Easy setup, video verification |
| Cove | $0-249 | $15-25 | None | Cheapest professional monitoring |
| Wyze | $99 (HMS kit) | $0-10 | None | Absolute lowest budget |
Why Abode Is Our Top Pick for Renters
Abode stands out because:
- $0/mo free tier — self-monitor with push notifications at zero cost. Upgrade to pro monitoring only when you want it
- HomeKit + Alexa + Google — the only system that works with all three platforms. Important when your next apartment might have a different ecosystem
- 15-minute setup — peel, stick, pair. Done before your pizza arrives
- Moves with you — wireless hub, adhesive sensors, battery cameras. Pack in one box
- Z-Wave and Zigbee — add smart locks, lights, and plugs that travel with you between apartments
What to Buy by Apartment Size
| Apartment | Sensors Needed | Camera | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | 1 door sensor + 1 motion sensor (included in Abode kit) | Optional: 1 indoor cam ($35) | $199-$234 |
| 2BR | Kit + 1 extra door sensor ($15) + 1 window sensor ($15) | 1 indoor cam + video doorbell | $264-$364 |
| 3BR+ | Kit + 3 extra door/window sensors + glass break | Indoor + doorbell + patio cam | $350-$500 |
Renter-Friendly Cameras (No Drilling)
| Camera | Price | Mount Type | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode Cam 2 | $35 | Magnetic / shelf | $0 (free clip storage) | Alarm integration, no subscription needed |
| Ring Indoor Cam | $60 | Shelf / magnetic | $0-10 | Alexa households |
| Wyze Cam v4 | $36 | Magnetic base | $0-3 | Absolute cheapest |
| Blink Mini 2 | $30 | Shelf mount | $0-3 | Budget with free local storage (Sync Module) |
Smart Locks for Renters (No Modifications)
These retrofit locks attach over your existing deadbolt — no replacing hardware, no landlord issues:
| Lock | Price | Install Method | Smart Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 4th Gen | $230 | Clamps over existing deadbolt thumb-turn | HomeKit, Alexa, Google |
| Level Lock+ | $329 | Replaces interior assembly only (reversible) | HomeKit, Matter |
| SwitchBot Lock Pro | $100 | Adhesive on existing thumb-turn | Alexa, Google, Matter |
For more options, see our complete smart locks for renters guide.
Renter’s Insurance Discount
Most insurers discount renter’s policies 5-15% for monitored security systems:
| Insurer | Typical Discount | Savings on $200/yr Policy |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 5-10% | $10-20/yr |
| State Farm | 5-15% | $10-30/yr |
| Lemonade | 5-10% | $10-20/yr |
| Allstate | 5-15% | $10-30/yr |
With Abode’s $6/mo Connect plan, the insurance discount can offset the entire monitoring cost. Details in our insurance discount guide.
FAQ
Do I need landlord permission for a wireless security system?
No. Adhesive-mount sensors and wireless cameras require no modifications to the unit. You are not altering the property. Some states (like California and New York) explicitly allow tenants to install security devices. Check your lease for any clauses about security equipment, but adhesive wireless systems are nearly universally fine.
What happens when I move?
Remove sensors by peeling off adhesive strips. Pack hub, sensors, cameras, and keypad in a box. At your new place, re-mount with fresh adhesive ($5 for a pack). Update your monitoring address in the app. Total re-setup time: 15-20 minutes.
Can my landlord see my camera feeds?
No. Your security system account is yours. Only people you add as shared users can see camera feeds or arm/disarm the system. Your landlord has zero access.
What about ground-floor apartments?
Ground-floor units are the highest burglary risk for apartments. Add window sensors on all accessible windows, a glass break sensor for the living area, and an outdoor-facing camera or video doorbell if allowed on your door.
