Our 4 top security systems for renters
To choose our top picks, we compared 27 home security companies. We looked at 30 features, including availability, installation and monitoring options, cost and more. We also looked at customer reviews and ratings on ConsumerAffairs, performed hands-on testing and consulted security experts. All prices are accurate as of publishing.
| SimpliSafe | Link Interactive | Cove | Ring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 to $27.99 | $30.99 to $47.99 | $17.99 to $27.99 | $3.99 to $20 |
| Contract required | None | 12 to 36 months | None | None |
| Trial period | 60 days | 30 days | 60 days | 30 days |
- Easy installation
- Affordable equipment
- User-friendly
SimpliSafe offers a popular do-it-yourself home security system that’s well-suited for renters because it’s easy to install and you don’t need to screw anything to the wall. The company offers various packages with different sensors and devices to detect intrusion, fire, water damage and more.
SimpliSafe also offers a doorbell camera and indoor and outdoor cameras for video monitoring. You can opt for DIY or professional monitoring, and there are no long-term contracts required.
What we like
What reviewers say
- Affordable equipment
- Takeover program
- Easy to install
Link Interactive’s equipment is easy to install and can be moved from one residence to another without much hassle. Its systems have a “peel and stick” setup, so there’s no wiring or drilling.
The devices are also preprogrammed with step-by-step instructions. If you get stumped, Link offers customer support by email, chat or phone. The company offers DIY and professional monitoring services, and you can tailor your security system to fit your rental home.
What we like
What reviewers say
- Affordable equipment
- Credits for equipment upgrades
- TripleTouch Alarm Response
Cove offers fully customizable security systems for apartments or rental houses. With its simple online tool, you can create your system in just minutes. You can also earn credits that go toward upgrading your security equipment over the years.
Cove’s TripleTouch Alarm Response feature ensures you can get help in an emergency within 30 seconds (many security systems take several minutes).
What we like
What reviewers say
- Large equipment selection
- Easy-to-use app
- Budget-friendly
Ring is a newer home security company, but it brings a lot to the table when it comes to affordability and flexibility for renters. The company has a wide range of cameras, customizable packages and even devices to keep your vehicle safe, like the Ring Car Cam. Ring is also ideal for renters on a budget.
What we like
What reviewers say
Key security devices for renters to consider
Renters don’t need permanent wiring or landlord approval to build an effective home security setup. Most modern devices are designed with flexibility in mind, using wireless connections and peel-and-stick installation. That makes it easy to protect your space without damaging walls or violating lease terms. The key is choosing equipment that balances security coverage with portability, so you can take it with you when you move.
Entry and motion sensors
Entry and motion sensors are the foundation of most renter-friendly systems. Door and window sensors typically use peel-and-stick adhesive, making them quick to install and remove without leaving marks. These devices alert you when an entry point is opened, which is useful for both security and general awareness.
Glass-break sensors add another layer by detecting the sound frequency of breaking glass, helping cover windows that may not have individual sensors. Motion detectors can be placed in main living areas or near entryways to detect unexpected movement when you’re away. Many systems allow you to adjust sensitivity to avoid false alarms from pets.
These devices often connect to a portable hub or app, giving you real-time alerts on your phone. Because they’re wireless and compact, they’re easy to reposition or pack up when your lease ends.
Cameras and doorbell monitoring
Cameras and video doorbells are especially useful for renters concerned about package theft or monitoring shared entryways. Brands like Ring and Google Nest offer Wi-Fi-enabled indoor and outdoor cameras that don’t require hardwiring. Many models mount with adhesive or simple brackets, making them suitable for apartments and condos.
Indoor cameras can help you check in on pets or verify activity while you’re out, while outdoor cameras and doorbells provide visibility at your front door. Video doorbells send alerts when motion is detected or someone presses the bell, and many include two-way audio so you can speak to visitors remotely.
Cloud storage subscriptions are often required to review recorded footage, which adds a small monthly cost. Still, these devices can play a key role in preventing package theft and documenting incidents, especially in buildings with shared delivery areas.
Environmental and safety sensors
Environmental sensors protect against risks that go beyond break-ins, such as fire, carbon monoxide and water damage. Battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential in any rental, and many smart versions can send alerts to your phone if triggered. These are often upgrades to standard detectors already installed in a unit.
Water leak sensors are another renter-friendly option. These small, wireless devices can be placed near sinks, toilets, dishwashers or water heaters to detect moisture early. If a leak occurs, you’ll get an alert before it turns into costly damage.
Some systems integrate these sensors into a single app alongside security devices, creating a more complete safety setup. Because they’re compact and use peel-and-stick or simple placement, they’re easy to install without tools and just as easy to take with you when you move.
Pros and cons of security systems for renters
Security systems for renters have several advantages — these systems are often affordable, simple to install and easy to move to a new residence if you tend to hop from rental to rental.
The downside is that if you don’t screw down these devices, like cameras and sensors, they’re easier to steal or tamper with. Also, the peel-and-stick tape can remove paint on walls if you’re not careful when removing them.
Wireless systems are super convenient to install and use, and you can take them with you if you move. But they can be less reliable than their wired counterparts, especially in areas of the country with spotty internet and cellular connections.”
The wireless aspect of these systems may also make them less dependable. “Wireless systems are super convenient to install and use, and you can take them with you if you move,” security expert Cathy Habas told us. “But they can be less reliable than their wired counterparts, especially in areas of the country with spotty internet and cellular connections.”
What should renters look for in a security system?
Security expert Rebecca Edwards shared with us: “My top considerations as a renter would be flexibility (no contracts), cost and equipment that won’t damage the home or apartment I’m renting. I’d want to make sure I could easily take it with me if I decide not to renew my lease and that I could install and uninstall it without causing damage to walls, dealing with wiring, etc.”
» CALCULATE: How much does a home security system cost?
The best system for renters also depends on the type of place you’re renting. In a small loft apartment, for example, you may just need a doorbell camera and an indoor camera or two with extras like a siren, climate monitoring and advanced AI detection so you don’t get an alert every time the cat walks across the room.
“If you’re renting a house or town house with multiple floors, you may want something a little more advanced, like SimpliSafe or Cove,” Edwards explained. “These give you entry sensors for doors and windows, and you can get a motion sensor for each floor. And if you have a yard or outdoor entrances, you can get an outdoor camera to keep an eye on all of those.”
» MORE: Best smart home security systems
