Whether you rent an apartment, condo, townhouse, basement suite, or a detached house; you deserve to feel safe in your home. The challenge for renters is that traditional home security systems can feel too permanent, or violate landlords’ restrictions on alterations and additions to the property. When drilling holes, running wires or replacing hardware isn’t possible, Jump.ca can connect you with renter-friendly security solutions that can help you protect your space without making major changes to the home. Thanks to innovations in smart home technology, today’s renters have access to temporary, wireless security solutions that move with them!
Can Renters Install a Home Security System?
Yes, in many cases, renters can install their own temporary home security equipment; as long as it is installed in their private space, doesn’t cause material damage to the property, and doesn’t violate the terms of their lease agreement.
Before installing any equipment, it is always a good idea to double-check your lease and to chat with your landlord or property manager if you have any questions or concerns. Permanent installations, exterior cameras aimed at shared property, or anything that requires drilling or roof access may require written permission. In contrast, wireless devices, plug-in equipment that doesn’t require mounting, removable sensors, and smart home products that leave little to no trace are usually much easier for renters to get approval for.
Renters should look for security systems that are:
- Portable
- Easy to remove
- Design to work with your rental as-is (without permanent alterations)
What Makes a Security System Renter-Friendly?
A renter-friendly smart home security system should be simple to install, easy to remove, and flexible enough to move with you when your lease ends.
Look for options that include:
- Wireless or battery-powered equipment
- No-drill installation
- Mobile app control
- Door and window sensors
- Indoor cameras or carefully placed cameras within your private space
- Smart locks that work with existing hardware
- Smart lighting that uses existing fixtures
- Flexible monitoring options
- Equipment that can be removed without leaving damage behind
For renters, the best security setup isn’t usually the one that requires the most equipment; it’s the one that balances your need for security with the limitations of your lease agreement.
Wireless Security Cameras
A wireless camera lets you check in on your home from anywhere in the world. You can receive motion alerts, record video, and even check in on pets for peace of mind! Wireless security cameras are one of the most popular smart home security options for renters because they are flexible, easy to manage, and can usually move with you at the end of your lease.
Pro Tips:
- When you’re renting, you can normally only place cameras in your own private space.
- Cameras need to be positioned in a way that does not invade any other residents’ privacy.
- Carefully placed entryway cameras can be even more valuable than exterior cameras.
Smart Locks
Smart locks give renters more control over how they access their homes, and eliminates concerns over unauthorized access using old duplicate keys retained by previous tenants. Depending on the model, a smart lock may allow you to lock or unlock the door from your phone, create temporary access codes, receive alerts, or check whether the door was left unlocked.
For renters, the best smart locks are usually those that work with existing hardware, called “retrofit” locks. These are designed to fit over the inside portion of the lock, allowing you to leave the original exterior hardware untouched. That matters, because your lease likely won’t allow you to change the locks, but a temporary installation that utilizes the existing hardware is likely to go unnoticed.
Pro Tip: Before installing a smart lock, check your lease and confirm whether the device can be removed and the original setup restored when you move out.
Door and Window Sensors
Door and window sensors are a quick and easy way to add another layer of protection to your rented home. These small, inconspicuous devices are usually placed on doors, windows, patio doors and other entry points. When the door or window opens unexpectedly, the sensor can trigger an alert or an alarm.
If you’re renting, this type of equipment is ideal because it is usually small, wireless, and can be utilized in multiple locations, so you can use it in your next rental again; even if it has a different layout or a different breakdown of total number of windows vs doors, for example. It is of particular value in ground-floor apartments and basement suites where windows represent an opportunity for ingress.
Home security doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. In many cases, simply knowing when an entry point has been opened can make a rental feel more secure.
Smart Lighting
Don’t underestimate the impact of smart lighting on home security! It’s one of the easiest security upgrades you can make as a renter. Instead of changing fixtures or wiring, many smart lighting setups only require replacing a regular light bulb with a smart bulb.
Once installed, smart lights can be controlled from your phone, set on a schedule, or adjusted remotely while you’re away. If your house looks occupied when you’re away, it deters opportunistic criminals from breaking and entering.
It is a particularly practical choice for renters because it enhances convenience and security without altering the property. When it’s time to move, you can take your smart bulbs with you!
Smart Home Security for Saskatchewan Renters
Renters across Saskatchewan will have vastly different security needs, but we cater to them all. An apartment renter in Regina may only need a simple home security system for a front door and a balcony, while someone renting a home on an acreage, or in Saskatoon may want more coverage for multiple entrances, garages or outbuildings.
That’s why a customized approach matters. There is no “one size fits all” solution to renter-friendly home security. Your setup needs to suit the property, adhere to the restrictions outlined in your lease, and be compatible with the way you actually live.
Jump.ca helps Saskatchewan residents find smart home security options that make sense for their space. With smart home plans powered by Alarm.com, you can control compatible security devices from your phone, receive alerts, and build a system around your specific needs.
Find the Right Renter-Friendly Security Setup
You do not need to own your home to feel safer in it. With wireless cameras, smart locks, door and window sensors, smart lighting, and app-based control, renters can add practical security without committing to permanent changes.
If you are renting in Saskatchewan and want help choosing the right temporary security solution, we can help you explore your options.
FAQ
Can renters install their own home security system?
Yes, renters can often install temporary or wireless home security devices, as long as they do not damage the property or violate the lease agreement.
What is the best home security option for renters?
The best option is usually a wireless, no-drill system with removable devices such as door sensors, window sensors, indoor cameras, smart locks, and smart lighting.
Can renters install security cameras?
Renters may be able to install cameras within their private space, but placement matters. You need to make sure you’re not recording any shared spaces or areas where other residents expect privacy (and check your lease before installing any exterior cameras).
Are smart locks good for renters?
Smart locks can be a great option, especially if they’re retro-fit locks that work with existing hardware and can be removed when you move out.
Can I take my security system with me when I move?
Yes, in most cases renter-friendly home security systems are completely portable and can move to your next home with you. Look for wireless devices like smart bulbs, indoor cameras, sensors, and smart locks.
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