How to Secure an Apartment Without Drilling

If you rent, start with portable, removable security. That usually means a mix of:

• Door and window contact sensors with adhesive backing
• Indoor cameras or peephole-style door cameras allowed by your lease
• Motion sensors that sit on a shelf or attach with removable strips
• Smart locks or door reinforcement devices only if your landlord allows them
• Professional monitoring if you want emergency dispatch support when an alarm triggers

For many apartments, a basic alarm setup can run about $200-$600+ for equipment, depending on how many sensors and whether you choose DIY gear or professional installation. If you add professional monitoring, a typical range is about $15-$60 per month. Indoor or outdoor-capable security cameras often cost about $50-$300 each, plus any cloud storage fee. If you want help comparing options, start with home security systems or review broader costs.

These are typical estimates, not quotes. The real price depends on the system, the size and layout of the property, professional monitoring, installation, and your area.

Also important: no alarm, camera, lock, or guard service can guarantee safety or prevent crime, loss, injury, or property damage. Security lowers risk. It does not promise an outcome.

A good apartment plan is simple. Cover the most common entry points first, then add visibility.

1. Protect the front door

Your front door is usually the first place to focus.

• Add a door contact sensor so you know when the door opens
• Use a portable door alarm or wedge-style door stop alarm for extra notice
• If allowed, consider a smart lock or keypad lock that fits your door without major changes
• Ask in writing before changing locks. Many leases require landlord approval.

Typical smart lock / access control pricing is about $120-$500 per door, depending on the hardware and features. Learn more about access control.

2. Cover easy windows

Ground-floor and balcony-access windows matter most.

• Put contact sensors on windows that open
• Use visible window stickers only if your lease or HOA rules allow them
• Add simple window bars or pin locks only if they are approved and safe for fire exit rules
• Keep blinds or curtains closed when you are away so valuables are less visible

3. Add cameras where they help most

In apartments, one or two cameras often do more than a large system.

Best uses:

• One camera facing the main entry from inside
• One camera covering the living room or main path to bedrooms
• A balcony or patio camera only if your building rules allow it

Be careful with placement. Do not point cameras into shared hallways, neighbors' windows, or areas where building rules prohibit recording. If you want to compare camera options, see security cameras.

4. Think about alerts, not just equipment

A device is only useful if someone responds.

You can:

• Get app alerts and check things yourself
• Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to be a backup contact
• Pay for professional monitoring if you want another layer of response

If you are deciding between self-monitoring and a monthly plan, read about professional monitoring.

A lot of problems start when a renter buys equipment first and reads the lease later.

Before you install anything, check these four things:

1. Can you attach devices with adhesive? Some leases allow removable strips but not permanent fasteners.
2. Can you change or add a lock? Many landlords allow it only with written permission and a copy of the key or code.
3. Can you put cameras outside the unit? Hallways, exterior doors, shared porches, and parking areas often have building rules.
4. What happens when you move out? Ask whether you must remove devices, patch marks, or restore the original hardware.

If you are talking to a security company, hire only licensed, insured, properly registered companies where required, and verify the license or registration yourself. Some states also license or register alarm-company solicitation and installation.

If a sales rep comes to your door or pushes you to sign right now, slow down. Read how to avoid door-to-door alarm sales pressure. Then read the full contract, the monitoring agreement, the contract length, auto-renewal terms, monthly fee, and cancellation or early-termination terms before signing.

If you agree to be contacted about options, remember: consent to be contacted, including by autodialer, prerecorded or artificial voice, and SMS, is not a condition of any purchase, and you can opt out anytime. Do not sign on the spot because of phone or door-to-door pressure.

You do not need every feature. A small, well-placed setup is often enough for an apartment.

Lower-budget setup

Good for renters who want basic alerts.

• 1 base station or app hub
• 2-4 door/window sensors
• 1 motion sensor
• 1 indoor camera

Typical cost: about $200-$400+ for equipment, plus optional cloud storage and optional monitoring.

Mid-range setup

Good for renters who want better coverage and app control.

• 1 hub
• 5-8 sensors
• 1-2 motion sensors
• 2 cameras
• Optional keypad

Typical cost: about $350-$700+ for equipment. If professionally installed, installation may add about $100-$400 one time.

Higher-coverage renter setup

Good for larger apartments, first-floor units, or small live-work spaces.

• More window coverage
• 2-4 cameras
• Smart lock if approved
• Professional monitoring

Typical cost can go beyond $600+ for equipment, plus $15-$60 per month for monitoring, and any cloud or storage fees.

Again, these are estimates, not quotes. Real pricing depends on the system, the size and layout of the property, professional monitoring, installation, and the area.

If you are comparing DIY gear against a professionally installed setup, DIY vs. professional security can help you think it through.

Keep it simple and stay in control.

• Make a short list of what you want to protect: front door, windows, one camera view, alerts, monitoring
• Check your lease and get written approval if locks or exterior-facing devices are involved
• Decide whether you want DIY only or help from a local company
• Compare more than one option
• Verify each company's license, insurance, and registration yourself
• Read the full contract before signing, especially the monthly fee, contract length, auto-renewal, cancellation rules, and early-termination terms

KeepWatchly is a free matching service. We do not sell, install, monitor, or service security systems. We help you compare local licensed and insured security companies so you can choose who to hire. Participating security companies pay a flat fee to be listed or matched. Matching is free for the homeowner or business.

If you want to compare local options, you can get matched. If your unit is part of a storefront, office, or live-work space, you may also want to review business security.