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When renters want to install their own home security, they run into a problem: Many security systems aren't compatible with the terms of the lease and alterations tenants need to avoid. Landlords are rarely willing to budge on this part. But some security brands have taken extra steps so that renters can install and move them as necessary, without any drill holes or other complex changes. Here are my favorites after testing dozens of these kinds of systems.
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- Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2025: Compact and Movable
- What are the best home security systems for renters?
- Best security systems for renters of 2025
- Best overall home security system for renters
- Best tiny security system for renters
- Best home security system for renters with other smart tech
- Best compact home security system for renters
- Best adhesive-based home security system for renters
- Best video doorbell alternative for renters
- Security systems for renters compared
- How we test home security systems
- Other home security systems for renters we tested
- Is it legal for a renter to install their own security system?
- Factors to consider when choosing a home security system for renters
- FAQs
What are the best home security systems for renters?
After years of extensively testing home security systems for renters, we know what to look out for. That's why our best choice is the Ring Alarm five-piece kit. Not only does it have a great variety of sensors but it's also affordable and so easy to install that it's guaranteed not to leave your apartment with any damage. Better yet, uninstalling it is simple too, so you can take it and move it to a new home with no difficulty.
Read more: 11 of the Best Smart Home Gifts
But if you'd like to look at more options, we've included a great list below, including smart home devices like the compact all-in-one sensor kit from Arlo and a highly effective Ring peephole camera. The latter is particularly beneficial for apartment buildings. If you want to know more about security, you can check out even more of our valuable CNET guides about cheap home security systems and affordable home security cameras.
Best security systems for renters of 2025
Pros
- Easy installation
- Compact design
- Easy to add more sensors
- Alexa voice controls
- Effective app
Cons
- Requires a Ring Protect plan to enable very important features
We found Ring Alarm’s security kit easy to set up, with a compact keypad that’s very at home in a small entryway. With a contact sensor for the front door and a motion detector for sensitive areas, it’s just the right size for an apartment or similar rental. The Ring app is also very effective, with a relatively easy UI to learn and plenty of options for control or monitoring. Sensors come with options for adhesive installs to lessen impact.
We like the Ring Alarm a bit better than the Ring Alarm Pro kit, especially for renters. The Pro option comes with a router that must be used to enable certain features, which can hamstring existing router setups. Renters will be happier with this simpler -- and more affordable -- package.
One important note: This kit really needs a Ring Protect plan to enable key features, including mobile notifications and arm/disarm options, in the app. We can’t recommend this system without Protect, but it will cost at least $5 per month. Bump that up to $20, and you can get access to professional home monitoring.
Pros
- Tiny, affordable security
- A 2K pan/tilt camera with great video clarity
- Sensors that are effective and easy to set up
- Compatibility with other platforms, including Apple
Cons
- Not every renter may want a camera (although it does include a privacy mode)
- More intricate home routine options can be confusing or hard to find
Aqara's security system isn't just adhesive-based and renter-friendly, it's also super small and guaranteed not to get in the way. The 2K pan/tilt camera offers smart detection features and two-way audio while also acting as a hub. It supports a little motion sensor, access sensor and vibration sensor that you can put nearly anywhere, from under a table to over a cabinet drawer.
Aqara's sytem is a cinch to set up and works with major voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple Home/Siri and Google Home/Gemini (although some features may be limited if you control it through these platforms).
There's a lot to tinker with when it comes to customizing security routines in Aqara's app, but renters can stick with basic alerts and alarms if they don't want to go through all of that, making this kit easy to recommend for a variety of tenants.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Mini sensor can fit anywhere
- Excellent third-party support
- Apple support with a system upgrade
Cons
- Only one sensor included in base kit
Abode’s starter kit is extra simple, with only one mini sensor to monitor a door or window, but it’s also one of the most affordable systems available. You can easily expand the system when you want to. In fact, Abode offers some of the best third-party support around, working with Sonos devices, Bose devices, multiple smart locks and products from brands such as Ecobee, Philips Hue or LIFX. If your rental already has smart devices, Abode offers the best chance at compatibility.
The security system can’t support Apple HomeKit or the Home app with this base version but if you want to upgrade to a more expensive four-piece system ($130), it can also work on the Apple platform. Not many DIY systems extend support this far, making this kit upgrade a good choice for Apple users. You can pay a subscription fee to get camera recording and more, but it’s not necessary for the baseline package.
Pros
- Compact 8-in-1 sensors
- Easy to set up
- Rare extras like light and leak detection
- Highly customizable via app
- Ideal for smaller spaces
Cons
- No additional smart home integrations
Arlo has a different idea for a home security system that’s a perfect fit for apartments and small homes. This kit provides two all-in-one sensors that can measure up to eight things, including an opened door or window, motion detection, smoke or carbon monoxide leak detection, and even ambient light changes. That’s a very complete package and having two sensors means you can place them in the most sensitive areas of your home.
This versatility makes Arlo’s system excellent for renters and particularly easy to set up once you’ve found the right spots. You can mix and match detection functions to cover exactly what you want and avoid unnecessary updates or info. The Arlo Secure plan primarily covers security cameras until the highest tiers start to offer professional home monitoring, so don’t consider it a requirement for these sensors when starting.
Pros
- Good design
- Easy starter package
- Usually affordable with common discounts
Cons
- Some very good features lock behind the self-monitoring plan
One of the SimpliSafe facets we like is the customized kit options for the size of your home, no sign-ups or estimates required. The Foundation Kit is one of the best options for renters who may have smaller homes. It's equipped with the basics, including an entry sensor and motion sensor to help you get started. SimpliSafe’s keypad and sensor designs are excellent, easy to fit and mount in small spaces, and come with adhesive strips for minimal impact.
SimpliSafe does have a self-monitoring plan for about $10 per month, which is more useful with a camera, but does add features such as remote arming/disarming and push notifications if an alarm goes off.
Pros
- Small cam design that can qualify for apartment buildings
- Motion detection
- Two-way audio
- Doorbell detection
- No sensor placement required
Cons
- Alexa-only support
- Check your apartment rules first
This unique security camera offers an important alternative to small security systems. After reviewing it, we're happy to include it as an option for renters who want to focus less on sensors and more on a camera view with motion detection.
The Peephole Cam sits mostly on the inside of the door, over the peephole common in apartment buildings, usually without violating rules against using security cams out in the halls. It includes two-way audio as well as motion sensors, plus doorbell detection. Ring’s motion detection lets you customize what you want to focus on.
While the cam plays very well with Alexa, it would be nice to have additional voice assistant compatibility, but Ring is an Amazon brand after all. The Ring Protect subscription is only necessary if you want to record and share videos.
Security systems for renters compared
| $200 | 160 | $140 | $200 | $250 | $130 |
| Ring Protect plans from $5 to $20 per month (encouraged) | Optional cloud storage and feature subscription | $6 to $20 per month | Arlo Secure $8 to $25 per month (not necessary) | $10 to $30 per month | Ring Protect plans from $5 to $20 |
| Base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, range extender | 1 base camera hub, 1 motion sensor, 1 vibration sensor, 1 open/shut sensor | Security hub, mini door/window sensor, key fob | Keypad, 2 8-in-1 sensors | Base station, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor | Video doorbell for apartments |
| No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Yes with Pro subscription | No | Yes with Pro plan | Yes with Safe & Secure Plan | Yes with all except self-monitoring plan | No |
| 7.5 | 8 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 7.8 |
For each system we test, we install it ourselves just as you would at home, or we have an installer come set it up in the case of professional systems like ADT and Comcast Xfinity. Once it's installed, we spend at least a week testing the system and all the device-by-device features. Our ranking puts a priority on value, but also takes into strong consideration the quality of hardware, service and general user experience, including how easy it was to set up and the frequency of false alarms. For more robust information on any of the recommended security systems above, please read the full reviews.
If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
Ring Alarm Pro Kit: Ring Alarm Pro upgrades the security system in a few ways, but that makes it a poor fit for apartments. It’s much more expensive and the required Wi-Fi 6 router isn’t necessary for renters who likely already have a router of their own.
Wyze Home Security System: Wyze offers an affordable, nimble system, but unfortunately comes with a bucketload of recent security issues that have caused us to pull our recommendations for the time being.
ADT Security Systems: ADT's new ADT+ system is an improvement, but the company still struggles with long-term contracts and insanely expensive subscriptions, two of the worst things for renters.
Vivint Home Security: Vivint can customize a security system for a small area, but their process is opaque and requires professional installation. For apartment owners who may be moving in the future, we prefer non-contract DIY systems with fewer strings attached.
Frontpoint systems: Frontpoint offers some excellent DIY systems, but you are herded into a very expensive professional home monitoring subscription that’s a poor fit for any renter.
Usually, renters can install security systems as long as they don't cause damage to doors, walls, etc. However, you should always look at your lease first if you aren't sure. Some owners include a section in leases that says only the owner can make security additions to the home. If you still want a security system but you spot one of these lease restrictions, you should contact your landlord or property management company and ask if you can install a no-damage, nonpermanent security system. Remember, you can easily take home security systems like these with you if you move.
Price
Home security systems tend to start at several hundred dollars and go up as you add more devices. That can be a tough price point for any renter, which is why we focused on kits available for $200 and below whenever possible. Keep in mind, subscription fees can add $15 to $30 per month if you want lots of extra features or monitoring.
Finally, be wary of the prices of major home security platforms such as Vivint, Frontpoint and others. Many run perennial deals that don’t often represent the products very accurately, while others may want you to sign up for a quote before revealing any pricing information.
Installation
We know renters want to keep their walls clean and get their deposits back, so we favored systems that could be set up using adhesives or careful placement rather than drilling. This also makes the system easier to take with you when you move.
Sensors
Even small home security systems come with a front door sensor and easy disarm options that are ideal for renters. But we also like to see extras thrown in at these prices. Our Ring Alarm pick, for example, it’s a motion detector and range extender to help offer more complete coverage. Some brands like Arlo offer sensors with multiple functions, which are an especially good fit for smaller spaces. House renters may want to add extra sensors for additional windows and backdoors, which will bump up the price.
App
App controls are important when setting up a security system with multiple devices. We look for apps that are intuitive and enable quick systems. Apps should allow you to check on the status any specific device, add new devices and arm or disarm at will.
Smart device compatibility
If you already have a smart device like a Nest speaker or Echo Show, you should look for a home security system that can work with it for more alert options. Apple and Siri compatibility are the hardest to find, although DIY systems like more advanced Abode kits do include. We’re ranking this factor a little lower than usual, because with hubs (usually included) and without cameras (usually not included in starter kits) there’s less need for smart integration.
Power options
Wireless systems are a often must-have for the easy DIY renters are looking for. You may also see options for battery backup power during power failures or cellular connections when your Wi-Fi is down, but that will cost extra.
Additional devices
Good systems for renters include options to easily add more devices to the system, preferably both from the brand and from third party smart devices. This makes it easy for renters to expand when they spot a new need or move to a larger location.
Do I need a subscription for an apartment system system?
Self-monitoring without a subscription (getting alerts on your phone, etc.) is usually possible with DIY systems, including the systems we’ve listed above. However, subscriptions tend to add a lot features, such as power back-ups, more support for third-party devices, more arming modes and even professional home monitoring.
For systems like our Ring Alarm pick, a subscription is essentially required to use the system. For other systems we chose, like our Abode pick or the Arlo all-in-on sensors, subscriptions are less necessary.
Can you install a security system in a rental?
You can add a home security system to your rented apartment or home, but a DIY, noninvasive system (one that does not require drilling into walls or doors, or rewiring a doorbell, for example) will often be your best bet. Your lease may have more information, but generally these lightweight security systems are legal.
Should I put a security camera in my apartment?
An exterior camera, unless reserved to private spaces like your back patio, is generally not recommended for apartments. They're outlawed in apartment buildings (and easily stolen or broken, too). Landlords may allow them in house rentals but you may need to ask permission first or let them handle it.
On the other hand, there are many reasons why you may want to add a security camera or two inside. Smart home cameras are great ways to monitor kids from another room or pets when you're out of the house. As for security, a camera may capture images or videos of intruders and send you an alert. Furthermore, the presence of a security camera is often enough to deter a potential burglar, so consider placing a camera somewhere it can be easily seen by others.
How can I secure my apartment?
Installing a home security system that monitors entryways and the interior of your apartment is one of the best ways to secure your dwelling, but there are other measures you can take. It's a good idea to keep any valuables out of sight, especially from windows (where someone may see them from the outside). Remember, apartment buildings may have rules against exterior security cams, but you may be able to use devices like the Ring Peephole Cam.
The buddy system can be a free but invaluable way to enhance your apartment's security: Make friends with your neighbors, communicate suspicious activity and ask them to keep an eye on your property while you keep an eye on theirs. You may also want to consider renter's insurance to minimize losses in the event of a burglary or other security breach. To learn more about home security for apartments, check out these home security tips for apartments.
What home security systems support matter?
Matter (along with the related Thread) is a standard that adds security and compatibility to smart home devices, especially when it comes to support for popular platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Alexa. Matter is an excellent sign of an up-to-date, user-friendly device, but it’s still limited on the home security front. If you’re looking for a single smart lock or similar device, we recommend looking for a Matter-compatible model. But Matter hasn’t rolled out to hub-based security system kits like these, at least not for now.
What is the best affordable security system for renters?
If you want to save as much money as possible, think about choosing a single camera or a doorbell like the Ring Peephole Cam. Models like these can include motion detection, object recognition, audio, sirens and a lot more, functioning like a mini home security system in one device. If you really need multiple sensors at different locations, look for an affordable entry-level, DIY system, like Abode's starter kit.
