Apartment Security Systems (2025)

Protect Your Rental Without Drilling Holes or Signing Contracts

Securing your home is a top priority, but for the millions living in apartments, condos, and rental homes, the path to peace of mind is often filled with obstacles. Traditional security systems, with their professional installation, wall-drilling, and rigid long-term contracts, are simply not designed for renters. How can you protect your space when you don’t own it?

The great news is that the home security industry has evolved. A new generation of powerful, flexible, and renter-friendly DIY security systems has emerged, putting professional-grade protection within your reach. These modern systems are designed from the ground up to be installed without a single tool, managed from your smartphone, and taken with you when you move.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll break down the essential “apartment-friendly” features to look for, provide in-depth reviews of the best systems on the market, and offer expert advice on essential security gadgets and how to navigate the rules of your lease agreement.

What Makes a Security System “Apartment-Friendly”?

Not all security systems are created equal, especially when it comes to rental living. The best systems for apartments and condos share a specific set of features that prioritize ease, flexibility, and damage-free installation.

1. 100% Wireless and DIY Installation

This is the most critical feature. An apartment-friendly system relies on peel-and-stick adhesive sensors and wireless components that communicate with a central base station. This means no drilling, no running wires through walls, and no risk of losing your security deposit. Setup should be a simple, tool-free process that takes less than an hour.

2. Flexible, No-Contract Professional Monitoring

Renters’ lives are dynamic. You might move for a new job or upgrade to a larger space. Being locked into a 3-year monitoring contract is a non-starter. Look for companies that offer optional, no-contract 24/7 professional monitoring. This gives you the freedom to activate, pause, or cancel the service on a month-to-month basis, providing ultimate flexibility.

3. A Focus on Entry Sensors

In a compact apartment, covering every window and the front door is far more efficient than using motion sensors, which can be triggered by pets or normal daily activity in a small space. The best apartment packages prioritize entry sensors (contact sensors) that detect when a door or window is opened.

4. Compact and Discreet Hardware

Your apartment is your home, not a commercial storefront. The system’s components—the base station, keypad, and sensors—should be sleek, modern, and compact enough to blend seamlessly with your decor without being an eyesore.

5. App-Based Control and Self-Monitoring Options

Full control from your smartphone is a must. You should be able to arm, disarm, and check the status of your system from anywhere. Furthermore, a good system will offer a self-monitoring option (often for free or a small fee) that sends notifications directly to your phone if you choose not to pay for professional monitoring.

6. Portability

The system belongs to you, not the apartment. When your lease is up, you should be able to easily pack up the entire system and install it in your new home in minutes.

The Best Home Security Systems for Apartments and Renters in 2025

After extensive research focusing on the criteria above, here are our top recommendations for securing your rental property.

1. SimpliSafe: The Best Overall System for Renters

SimpliSafe has perfected the balance of simplicity, reliability, and flexibility, making it the undisputed champion for apartment security.

• Why it’s Great for Apartments: The entire system is wireless and uses strong (but removable) adhesive strips. Their no-contract monitoring plans are clear and affordable, and the hardware is discreet and attractive. It’s the definition of a renter-friendly system.
• Key Hardware: The system is built around a sleek Base Station with a powerful 95dB siren. Kits include entry sensors, motion sensors, a wireless keypad, and optional extras like panic buttons, water sensors, and indoor cameras.
• Monitoring Options: Offers a free, unmonitored plan (local siren only), a Self-Monitoring plan with camera recording, and two tiers of 24/7 Professional Monitoring—all with no contracts. Their Interactive Plan includes cellular backup, ensuring you’re protected even if your Wi-Fi goes down.
• Standout Features: “SmashSafe” technology ensures the monitoring center is alerted even if an intruder smashes the keypad or Base Station.
• Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Incredibly easy setup, no-contract flexibility, reliable cellular backup, comprehensive sensor options.
  • Cons: Camera quality is good, but it trails behind dedicated brands like Arlo or Nest.

2. Ring Alarm: The Best Budget-Friendly Option

Owned by Amazon, Ring Alarm offers a robust and highly affordable entry point into home security, with excellent hardware and deep integration with Alexa and other Ring products.

• Why it’s Great for Apartments: Ring Alarm is a DIY, tool-free system that is incredibly cost-effective. Its $20/month Ring Protect Pro plan is one of the best values in the industry, bundling 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup and cloud storage for all your Ring cameras.
• Key Hardware: The system includes a Base Station with a 104dB siren, a keypad, entry sensors, and motion detectors. The Ring Alarm Pro model even has a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router.
• Monitoring Options: Can be self-monitored for free with app alerts. The optional Ring Protect Pro plan is an all-in-one subscription for professional monitoring and camera recording.
• Standout Features: Seamlessly integrates with Ring Video Doorbells and cameras, creating a single, unified security ecosystem in one app.
• Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Very affordable hardware and monitoring, excellent app, great integration with the wider Ring/Alexa ecosystem.
  • Cons: Deep integration with Amazon/Alexa may be a negative for users in the Google or Apple ecosystems.

3. Abode: The Best for Smart Home Integration

For the tech-savvy renter who wants their security system to be the brain of their smart apartment, Abode is the clear winner.

• Why it’s Great for Apartments: Abode’s systems are DIY and contract-free. Their key advantage is compatibility with a vast range of third-party smart home devices using Z-Wave and Zigbee protocols, allowing for powerful custom automations.
• Key Hardware: The all-in-one “Iota” hub includes a built-in 1080p camera and motion sensor. The separate “Gateway” hub offers more flexibility. Both work with Abode’s line of security sensors.
• Monitoring Options: Offers free self-monitoring, a self-monitoring plan with camera storage, and a professional monitoring plan, all without contracts.
• Standout Features: Unmatched support for third-party devices (smart locks, lights, switches) and a powerful automation engine called CUE.
• Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Supreme smart home compatibility, powerful automation options, no-contract flexibility.
  • Cons: Can be more complex to set up and manage than SimpliSafe or Ring.

4. Wyze Home Monitoring: The Ultra-Budget Disruptor

Wyze is known for its incredibly low-priced smart home gadgets, and its home monitoring system follows the same philosophy, offering basic but effective security for a rock-bottom price.

• Why it’s Great for Apartments: It is, by far, the cheapest professionally monitored system on the market. The hardware is small and the setup is simple, making it perfect for a studio or one-bedroom apartment on a tight budget.
• Key Hardware: A small hub, keypad, entry sensors, and motion sensors. The system leverages the popular Wyze Cam v3 for video verification.
• Monitoring Options: Requires a subscription to their 24/7 professional monitoring service, which is competitively priced at around $10/month.
• Standout Features: Video verification allows the monitoring center to view a short clip from a Wyze Cam when an alarm is triggered to confirm a real threat and reduce false alarms.
• Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Extremely low upfront and monthly costs, clever video verification feature.
  • Cons: Lacks cellular backup, a significant drawback compared to competitors. Hardware feels less premium.

Beyond the Alarm: Essential Security Gadgets for Every Renter

A full alarm system is fantastic, but you can further enhance your apartment’s security with these renter-friendly devices.

• Video Doorbells (Lease-Friendly!): You can’t drill holes for a standard video doorbell, but the Ring Peephole Cam is a genius solution. It replaces the existing peephole on your door without any permanent modification, giving you a doorbell, camera, and motion detector in one.
• Smart Indoor Cameras: An indoor camera allows you to check in on your apartment, pets, or kids. Look for models with a physical privacy shutter, like the Wyze Cam Pan v3, or that can be set to “Home” mode to disable recording when you’re there.
• Smart Locks (That Don’t Replace the Lock): You can’t change the locks, but you can upgrade them. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a popular choice for renters because it fits over the interior thumb-turn of your existing deadbolt, allowing you to keep your original keys. You get smart features like auto-lock and remote access without modifying the landlord’s hardware.

Navigating Landlord Rules and Your Lease Agreement

Before you buy, it’s wise to understand the rules.

• Review Your Lease: Check your lease for any clauses related to “alterations,” “installations,” or “security devices.” Most standard leases prohibit permanent modifications, which all the DIY systems recommended here avoid.
• Exterior vs. Interior: Landlords and building management have strict control over anything on the exterior of your door or windows. This is why peephole cameras are ideal, and why you should always ask for permission before installing an exterior-facing camera or standard video doorbell.
• Communicate Clearly: It’s often a good idea to give your landlord a heads-up. You can say something like, “I’m planning to install a no-damage, self-contained security system inside my apartment for my own peace of mind. All sensors use removable adhesive, and no drilling is required.” This proactive communication can prevent misunderstandings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Apartment Security

Can I get a security system without a monthly fee?

Yes. All the recommended systems (except Wyze) can be “self-monitored” for free. This means if a sensor is tripped, the siren will sound and you’ll get an alert on your phone. However, it’s your responsibility to contact the police. You won’t have 24/7 professional monitoring.

Are security cameras allowed in my apartment?

Yes, cameras placed inside your own apartment are generally allowed, as you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, you cannot place them in a way that captures the inside of a neighbor’s unit or in shared spaces like hallways.

How do I prevent my pet from setting off a motion sensor?

The best way is to rely on entry sensors for doors and windows. If you must use a motion sensor, place it high on a wall, pointing down, and away from stairs or furniture your pet likes to climb on. Most modern motion sensors also have sensitivity settings that can be adjusted to ignore small pets.

Can I take my security system with me when I move?

Absolutely. All the DIY systems recommended here are 100% portable. Just peel off the sensors (using a little heat from a hairdryer can help soften the adhesive), pack up the components, and you’ll be ready to set it up in your new home.

The Verdict: Securing Your Space, Protecting Your Peace of Mind

Living in a rental no longer means you have to compromise on security. Today’s market is filled with brilliant, affordable, and flexible security systems designed specifically for your needs.

Your choice comes down to your priorities. If you want the most well-rounded, easy-to-use system, SimpliSafe is your best bet. If your budget is the primary concern and you’re in the Amazon ecosystem, Ring Alarm offers unbeatable value. And if you’re a smart home hobbyist who wants to build a fully automated apartment, Abode provides the power and control you crave.

By choosing one of these renter-friendly options, you can finally get the peace of mind you deserve, knowing your home and your belongings are protected.