A small apartment has fewer doors and windows to protect than a house, which makes security easier to get right and easier to overbuy. Most of what you need fits in a starter kit. The real decisions are about what your lease allows, how the system gets alerts to you, and what happens when the power or internet goes out.
This guide covers five no-drill picks for renters, then walks through what a renter-friendly system includes, how monitoring works, where cameras fit, and how to take everything with you when you move. For the physical side of renter security, such as door locks, window film, and lighting, see our guide to renter security without drilling. Need just a motion sensor? Jump to our standalone motion sensor picks.
Wireless Systems That Need No Drilling
For renters, security systems are wireless and easy to set up yourself. Sensors attach with adhesive strips, the base station plugs into an outlet, and a phone app controls the entire system. Because nothing is screwed into a wall, lease issues are unlikely, and no technician needs to visit.
SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, Wyze, and Abode all sell kits like this. They differ in price, app design, and the smart home platforms they work with, but their basic hardware is similar enough that the monitoring plan and the ecosystem usually decide the choice.
Adhesive does have limits. Strips can fail on textured walls or in heat, and removing them can lift paint. Press each sensor firmly, let the adhesive set, and test it before relying on it. When you move out, a hair dryer on low heat will soften the adhesive so it peels off cleanly.
What Comes in a Starter Kit
A typical starter kit has four kinds of parts, and it helps to know what each one does before comparing kits.
- A base station or hub that connects the sensors to your network and usually contains the siren.
- Entry sensors, which are two-piece contacts that trigger when a door or window opens.
- A motion sensor, which covers a room or hallway.
- A keypad or key fob lets you arm and disarm your system without opening the app.
For a studio or one-bedroom, count your entry points. Cover the front door, any balcony or patio door, and any ground-floor or fire-escape windows. Upper-floor windows with no balcony or fire escape are a lower priority. Then add one motion sensor where an intruder would have to pass. You can add more sensors later, so buy for the apartment you have rather than the one a salesperson imagines.
Our 5 Best Security Systems for Renters
All five are wireless, and they set up without drilling. Four are alarm kits, and one is a standalone camera that can add to any of them. Details come from the manufacturers’ pages. Prices and plans change, so check the current Amazon listing and each plan’s terms before you buy.
| Pick | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe 8-Piece | Alarm kit | Best overall |
| Ring Alarm 8-Piece (2nd Gen) | Alarm kit | Alexa and Ring households |
| Wyze Home Security Core Kit | Alarm kit | Tight budgets |
| eufyCam C35 | Standalone camera | Adding video without a subscription |
| Abode 3-Piece Kit | Starter alarm kit | Apple Home users |
Best Overall: SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
SimpliSafe is a wireless DIY security system. Plug in the base station, place the sensors, and finish setup in the app. No wiring is needed. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and professional monitoring is optional..
Because the sensors attach with adhesive, you can easily remove them when you move. Before you buy, check the kit contents against your own doors and windows, as the starter kit section above explains.
Simple to set up. Seriously secure - Get ready to protect right out of the box. Just plug in the Base Station, download the SimpliSafe App, place your sensors, and start...
Best for Alexa and Ring Households: Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen)
The kit includes a base station, a keypad, four door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a range extender, which can cover a one- or two-bedroom apartment. Ring says no tools are required, and the base station’s battery lasts up to 24 hours in a power outage. It pairs with Alexa and other Ring devices if you already own a Ring doorbell or camera.
Several features require a Ring plan, which is sold separately: professional monitoring, cellular backup, and hands-free arming with Alexa. Factor that cost in before you compare this kit with the others.
A great fit for 1-2 bedroom homes, this kit includes one base station, one keypad, four contact sensors, one motion detector, and one range extender. Includes an intuitive...
Best Budget Option: Wyze Home Security Core Kit
The Wyze kit includes a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, and entry sensors that stick on without tools. It connects to Wyze cameras if you decide to add them later. Professional 24/7 monitoring is an optional paid plan, and the kit includes a few months so you can try it out.
It is among the least expensive ways to get a monitored system, but check the current monitoring price and what the included months cover before you rely on it. For a closer look at how Wyze compares with the other DIY brands, see our guide to wireless home security systems.
24/7 Professional Security Monitoring - Get a text or call from a professional security agent in 5 seconds (yes, seconds) or less after an alarm is triggered. If an emergency...
Best Standalone Camera: eufyCam C35
The eufyCam C35 is a battery-powered camera with an IP67 rating, for indoor or outdoor use. It offers color night vision and has no monthly fee. Its magnetic mount attaches to metal or sits on a flat surface without any drilling, making it a good fit for a front door or balcony.
It records to a microSD card up to 256 GB, sold separately, or to a HomeBase Mini. Ask your landlord in writing before mounting anything outside your unit, as the camera section below explains.
Magnetic & Screw-free Mounting: Enjoy effortless installation in seconds. The powerful magnetic base snaps onto any metal surface for a rock-solid hold, or can be placed on...
Best for Apple Home Users: Abode 3-Piece Wireless Security Kit
Abode’s starter kit includes a hub, a door and window sensor, and a key fob. The hub works with Apple HomeKit out of the box, along with Alexa and Google Assistant, so it fits into the iOS Home app. Abode’s page describes the kit as having no ongoing commitment.
It includes only one door and window sensor, so most apartments will need to add more to cover every entry point. If you are choosing a platform, see our comparison of Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
Standalone Motion Sensors for Renters
You do not need a full alarm kit to get real peace of mind in a small apartment. A battery-powered motion sensor sticks to a wall, comes down cleanly when you move, and costs far less than a system. It is also a handy add-on if a kit’s single motion detector leaves a hallway, closet, or back door uncovered.
These picks fall into two groups. Alarm sensors that work on their own with a built-in siren and need no Wi-Fi, app, or hub. Smart sensors can connect to a hub or smart home devices and send phone alerts or switch on the lights when you walk in. Details come from the manufacturers’ pages and the Amazon listings, so confirm the current specs before you buy.
| Pick | Type | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| TECKNET 125dB Motion Sensor Alarm | Standalone alarm | Nothing, batteries only |
| Aeotec SmartThings Motion Sensor | Smart sensor (Zigbee) | A Zigbee hub |
| ThirdReality Zigbee Motion Sensor | Smart sensor (Zigbee) | A Zigbee hub or an Echo with a built-in Zigbee hub |
| GoveeLife Wireless Motion Sensor | Light automation (Bluetooth) | A nearby Govee Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device |
| CPVAN 125dB Motion Sensor Alarm | Standalone alarm | Nothing, batteries only |
Best Overall for Renters: TECKNET 125dB Indoor Motion Sensor Alarm
This is the simplest way to add protection: stick it up, switch it on, and it works. There is no Wi-Fi, app, or hub to set up, and an adhesive pad means no holes in the wall. The listing describes a 125dB siren with a flashing strobe that sounds when motion is detected, and a remote with a range of up to 328 feet for arming and disarming from across the room.
The trade-off is that it does not send alerts to your phone. It makes noise in your apartment, so it is best when you are home or want a loud deterrent at the door. A siren that loud can also startle neighbors, so test it at a reasonable hour.
【125dB Loud Alarm & Flexible Power Options】Protect your space with a powerful 125dB siren and flashing strobe light designed to alert you and deter intruders when motion...
Best for Smart Home Integration: Aeotec SmartThings Motion Sensor
If you already use SmartThings, this sensor lets motion trigger lights, send phone alerts, and run routines. It has a magnetic base that slides to adjust the angle. A mount and adhesive strip are included, so no drilling is needed. Aeotec lists a range of up to 16 feet with a 120-degree field of view, and the sensor also reports temperature. It runs on one CR2 battery.
It uses Zigbee, so you need a compatible Zigbee hub. It is for indoor use, and Aeotec’s page does not mention pet immunity, so it may not suit a home with a roaming dog or cat. A smart home hub travels with you when you move, making this a good renter pick if you are building a setup. Our guide on whether you need a smart home hub explains what a hub adds.
24/7 Monitoring: Receive alerts when there’s unexpected movement in your home Home Automation: Set devices to automatically turn on or off as people come and go to minimize...
Best Budget Smart Sensor: ThirdReality Zigbee Motion Sensor
This one is a good fit if you have an Echo with a built-in Zigbee hub, because you may not need to buy a separate hub at all. It also works with SmartThings, Hubitat, and Home Assistant. It mounts with the included double-sided tape, or with two screws if your lease allows them. The manufacturer says it is designed to reduce false triggers from small pets such as cats and small dogs.
It runs on two AAA batteries, and the page cites a typical life of up to two years, so it is close to maintenance-free. The page gives two different detection ranges, so check the current listing for the figure and place it where it has a clear view of the room.
ZIGBEE STANDARD COMPATIBLE MOTION SENSOR: A Zigbee Hub is required. Compatible with Zigbee hubs and Echo devices with built-in Zigbee hubs, including Echo (4th Gen), Echo...
Best for Automating Lights: GoveeLife Wireless Smart Motion Sensor
If what you want is lights that come on when you walk in, this sensor does it without touching your wall switches. It uses Bluetooth and an adhesive backing with an adjustable 120-degree mount. Through the Govee Home app, it can turn on or off up to 50 Govee devices in the same space when it detects motion. Govee says the battery lasts about four months.
It is a convenience sensor, not an alarm. It works with Govee products, and it needs a nearby Govee device that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, sold separately, to act as a gateway. It is a nice fit for a hallway or bathroom in a rental where you cannot rewire anything.
Home Automation: The smart sensor can control GoveeLife intelligent devices in the same space and automatically turns them on or off when motion is detected. Ideal for areas...
Best Backup or Second Sensor: CPVAN 125dB Motion Sensor Alarm
This is a low-cost way to cover a closet, storage area, or back door. It is another standalone unit with no Wi-Fi or hub, and it can switch between a loud 125dB alarm mode and a gentler chime mode that announces visitors. The manual lists detection up to 40 feet, best at 10 to 26 feet, and a remote with a range of up to 328 feet.
It mounts with an adhesive sticker, or with screws and a bracket if you prefer. It takes three AAA batteries, which are included, and comes with an 18-month warranty. It is not waterproof, so keep it indoors and away from direct water.
125dB Loud Motion Sensor Alarm – The CPVAN motion sensor alarm features a powerful 125dB siren to help deter unwanted entry and alert you when motion is detected. Ideal for...
For any of these, place the sensor where someone would have to walk past it, such as facing the entry or a hallway, and aim it away from windows, heaters, and vents that can cause false alerts. If you have a pet, read the section on pets, privacy, and false alarms below before you choose, and pick a sensor with a pet-friendly rating that matches your animal.
Self-Monitoring vs Professional Monitoring
Self-monitoring means the system sends alerts to your phone and sounds the siren, and you decide what to do. Professional monitoring adds a call center that contacts you when an alarm trips and can dispatch police or fire services if you do not respond.
Self-monitoring costs less and works well if you keep your phone nearby. Professional monitoring makes more sense if you travel often, sleep through notifications, or live alone. Most DIY brands offer professional monitoring as a month-to-month plan, so you can start with self-monitoring and upgrade later without replacing hardware.
Prices and plan features change often, so check each company’s current pricing page before you buy. Also check whether saved video, cellular backup, and smart home integrations are part of the base plan or a higher tier.
Cameras and Video Doorbells in an Apartment
Cameras are optional in a small space, because sensors already tell you when something opens or moves. An indoor camera helps when you want to see what triggered an alert or check on a pet. A camera pointed at the entry gives you a record of who came in.
Shared hallways raise rules of their own. Many leases and building managers restrict cameras and doorbells outside your unit, and pointing a camera at a neighbor’s door can cause trouble even where it is allowed. Ask your landlord in writing before you mount anything outside, or stick to indoor cameras that face your own entry.
For the details on how cameras handle storage, subscriptions, and privacy, see our comparison of Wyze, Ring, and Eufy and our guide to video doorbells.
Power and Internet Outages
A security system that fails during an outage is not much use. Look for a base station with a battery backup, which keeps the siren and sensors working when the power is out. Look for cellular backup too, which lets the system reach you or the monitoring center when your Wi-Fi is down.
Cellular backup is often tied to a paid monitoring plan, so a system that looks cheap up front may not have it on the free tier. Check this detail before you decide, especially if you rely on professional monitoring.
Smart Home Integration
Most DIY systems work with Alexa, and many also support Google Assistant. Support for Apple HomeKit is less common, so confirm it if you use an iPhone and want it. Integration lets you arm the system by voice, trigger lights when a sensor trips, or pair the system with a smart lock.
If you have not picked a platform yet, our comparison of Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit explains the differences. Renters who cannot replace a deadbolt should also read about smart locks, since some models work with the lock you already have.
Pets, Privacy, and False Alarms
Motion sensors can mistake a cat or dog for an intruder. Many are rated as pet-friendly up to a stated weight limit, so check that number against your pet before you buy. Placing the sensor high on a wall and aiming it away from furniture your pet climbs on also helps.
On privacy, turn on two-factor authentication for the account, use a unique password, and keep the firmware updated. A connected camera or alarm is only as secure as the account behind it, so these steps matter.
Taking Your System With You
One advantage of a wireless kit is that it moves with you. Peel off the sensors, pack them with the base station, and reset the system at your new address. Most apps walk you through changing the Wi-Fi network and the address on file for monitoring.
Keep the original boxes and the adhesive strips if you can. If a company ties its monitoring contract to an address, contact them before you move so the service transfers without a gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my landlord’s permission to install a security system?
Usually not for adhesive sensors and a plug-in base station inside your own unit, but read your lease. You should ask before installing anything in a shared hallway, on the exterior, or on a door, and before replacing a lock.
How many sensors does a small apartment need?
Start with one sensor on each exterior door and each accessible window, plus one motion sensor covering the main path through the apartment. A studio or one-bedroom is often covered by a starter kit, and you can add sensors later.
Is professional monitoring worth it for an apartment?
It depends on how reliably you respond to phone alerts. If you travel often, sleep deeply, or live alone, a monitoring center adds a human who can call you and dispatch help. Most DIY systems let you add it month to month and cancel it.
Will a wireless system work if my Wi-Fi goes down?
Only if it has cellular backup. Without it, the system may still sound a local siren but cannot send alerts to your phone. Many systems include cellular backup only with a paid plan, so check before you buy.
Can I move my security system to a new apartment?
Yes. Peel off the sensors, pack the components, and set the system up again at the new address. You will need to update the Wi-Fi details and the monitoring address in the app.
