Updated April 2026 · Editorial review by SecurityCompassHQ
SimpliSafe is the best home security system for renters — fully wireless, no drilling required, portable when you move, and monitored month-to-month with no cancellation fee or long-term contract.
Renting comes with real security constraints: no drilling, no permanent installs, and systems you need to take with you when you move. The good news is the best renter-friendly security systems today are fully wireless, adhesive-mounted, and just as capable as hardwired setups.
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SimpliSafe
Top PickFully wireless sensors with peel-and-stick adhesive mounts. Door sensors, motion sensors, and glass-break detectors all install without tools in under 30 minutes. No long-term contract — cancel or pause anytime. 24/7 professional monitoring from $22.99/month.
Best for: Apartments, rented houses, shared flats · Why renters love it: No contract, cleanest adhesive mounting, easiest to reinstall at new address
Ring Alarm — Best Budget Kit
Ring's 5-piece starter kit (around $199) is the most affordable entry point for a full alarm system. Adhesive sensors, no-drill mounting, and an optional $10/month self-monitoring plan. Integrates with Amazon Alexa and all Ring cameras.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters in Amazon households · Note: Need the $10/month plan to save camera footage
Eufy Security — Best for No Subscription
Eufy cameras store footage locally on the HomeBase hub — no cloud subscription required ever. 2K resolution, AI person detection, and motion zones. Fully portable battery-powered cameras with magnetic mounts. No monthly fees for camera storage.
Best for: Renters who want cameras only, no alarm · Note: No professional alarm monitoring; cameras only
No-drill mounting
All sensors and cameras should use peel-and-stick adhesive or magnetic mounts. Command strips work for motion sensors. Never accept a system that requires wall anchors.
No long-term contract
Renters move. You need to be able to cancel, pause, or transfer monitoring without a penalty fee. SimpliSafe and Ring both offer month-to-month plans.
Portable when you move
Everything should uninstall cleanly and reinstall at your next address in under an hour. Wireless cellular backup means no dependency on the router at your old place.
Cellular backup
Apartment wifi can be shared or unreliable. A cellular backup module (included in SimpliSafe's monitoring plans) keeps your alarm working even when internet goes out.
Can I install a security system in a rental without losing my deposit?
Yes. SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and Eufy all use adhesive mounts and magnets — no drilling required. Door and window sensors clip or stick on, and motion sensors mount with Command strips. Remove them cleanly when you leave.
Do I need my landlord's permission to install a security system?
In most jurisdictions, renters can install a security system as long as it causes no permanent damage. No-drill adhesive systems require no landlord approval. You should not install wired systems or drill through walls without written permission.
What happens to my system when I move out?
All three of our top picks are fully portable. SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm sensors pull off cleanly. Eufy cameras unplug and move with you. Your monitoring plan transfers to your new address — no new contract required.
Is professional monitoring worth it for renters?
Yes, if you travel or aren't always home. Professional monitoring (from $19.99/month for Ring AI Pro, $22.99/month for SimpliSafe Standard) dispatches police and fire services even when you can't answer your phone. SimpliSafe's Standard plan ($22.99/month) is a strong value for renters who want 24/7 professional coverage.
What's the best security camera for a rental?
Eufy's indoor and outdoor cameras store footage locally with no subscription. Ring cameras cost less upfront but need a $10/month plan to save recordings. If you don't want a cloud subscription, Eufy is the clear winner for renters.
Can my landlord require me to remove a no-drill security system?
A landlord can require removal if your system violates lease terms or the building rules, even without permanent damage. No-drill adhesive systems don't damage walls and are generally not subject to removal requests under standard leases. If your lease has a clause prohibiting 'modifications,' clarify with your landlord in writing before installing.
What happens to my SimpliSafe monitoring if I move to a new city?
SimpliSafe monitoring transfers to your new address — simply reinstall your sensors at the new location and update your address in the SimpliSafe app. Ring Alarm works the same way. Neither system requires a new subscription or activation fee when you move.
Is Ring Alarm or SimpliSafe better for a studio apartment?
For a studio, SimpliSafe's starter kit is more than sufficient — one base station, one keypad, one motion sensor, and entry sensors on the door. SimpliSafe has a slight edge for renters because its monitoring plan is month-to-month with no annual commitment and the smallest starter kit runs around $250.
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