Home Alarm Systems for Apartments and Renters

Alarm Systems for Apartments Most people think home alarm systems are just for homeowners, but this is a common misconception. Alarm companies seem to only offer security systems and services with long term contracts and for decades hard wired alarm systems were the norm. So what do you do as renter with a short term lease on your apartment or condo?

Apartment Security Systems

First you need to be looking for a home security company that offers the following features:

• 100% Wireless Security Equipment – Take it with you when you leave
• Do-it-Yourself Installation – Very simple to install
• Cellular Monitoring – The standard in todays home security systems
• Brand Name Equipment – GE, Honeywell or 2Gig are all very good
• Great Customer Support

Security Systems for Apartments

We have recommended two home security companies that offer all of these features and services below. (Scroll down)

The first thing to look for is a wireless home security system: Traditionally you were required to install a hard-wired system which unless the property owner installed the system for the apartment complex it wasn’t an option. Imagine the costs associated with a hard-wired system in your rental property. Most lease agreements require you to leave the property on the condition it was in when you moved in and it could be very expensive to pay a professional to un-install a hard-wired alarm system by pulling wires from behind walls then patching the holes in the walls. The doors and windows frames may also be permanently damaged. Not a good idea.

With newer wireless home security systems you can simply stick the sensors in place, they come with adhesives or sticky tape which makes setup a breeze. Thousands of people all over the country are using these systems with no problems and find them efficient.

An added bonus is when you move, just take the systems with you, these systems are portable and don’t cause any damage to your property.

Look for a Cellular system: Apartment buildings and condos leave phone lines and Internet connection wires vulnerable and out in the open. Anyone that resides in the building may have access to phone wires as they are typically out in the open, all they have to do is cut them and your phone or Internet-based system is rendered useless, incapable of dialing out to the monitoring center so they cannot dispatch the police.

With a cellular system the cellular chip is inside the apartment and hidden inside the control panel, ensuring an intruder cannot defeat the system from outside the property. Cellular monitoring prices may be a little higher than phone and internet connections, but take comfort in knowing that it can’t be rendered useless with a pair of wire cutters.

Get a short-term contract: While the wireless security systems may be portable, meaning you can take them with you and easily install them in your new residence. Renters should note that they might not need an alarm system when they move. A short-term contract may be the best option for some renters. Like cellular phones the price of the alarm system could increase if you reduce your contract term from the typical 2-5 years. So give yourself some flexibility and ask about a shorter term contract.

We recommend the following apartment-friendly wireless home security systems for renters: