Best Apartment Security System

No matter where you live—in a single-family house or a multifamily dwelling—you want to ensure you, your family, and your possessions are safe and secure. Some apartment complexes have added security measures to keep people who don’t live there out, but depending on the building and management, that might not always be the case. That’s where an apartment security system comes in. 

A lot of people live in apartments. For instance, in Canada, 33.5+% of the population resides in apartments. And especially for younger adults and those who want more flexibility, apartment living makes a lot of sense. In short, if you need to move for job, family, or greater opportunities, you don’t have to first sell your current home. You can also save on maintenance costs and often live closer to a city center.

Apartment living does, however, create safety considerations homeowners typically don’t have to contend with. For example, if you own your apartment or condo, you may or may not be allowed to add wires or drill to set up a more permanent security system, depending on the covenants in your building. If you rent, though, it’s highly likely your landlord will not permit you to install a wired apartment security system or place cameras throughout the property. 

Fortunately, there are still good security systems for apartments.

Do Renters Need Apartment Security Systems? 

Even though many apartment buildings can only be entered by residents or those they buzz in, renters are more likely to be burglarized than folks who live in single-unit houses. Twice as likely, in fact. Yet home security systems more often cater to people who live in and own houses rather than apartments. After all, many traditional home security systems come equipped with hardwired equipment and long-term contracts. They may even have homeowner clauses.

Because apartment dwellers may move around more often, it can also be less cost-effective if you can’t move your apartment security system when your lease is up or if you are ready to move it on up. In other words, if you live in an apartment, you want a system that can transfer with you. 

Apartment Security Features

Deciding on what security system you need to protect your apartment can be tricky. Some key features to look for when deciding on your apartment renter’s security system include: 

• Equipment ownership or lease options that allow you to take your system with you if and when you move. For example, look for short or even no-contract options, so you can move your equipment or your agreement to another location if you need to.
• Wireless equipment you can move and install yourself. If you decide you need a more complicated system with more security cameras, make sure you clear it with your landlord first, even if you are having the system professionally installed. You don’t want to lose a security deposit because your apartment security system required you to put holes in the walls. Fortunately, many indoor cameras are very renter friendly and can be set up on shelves, built-ins, counters, and more.
• Secure installation—many DIY installations use a type of sticky tape to adhere to the wall. Make sure your sensors can easily be checked to ensure they stay securely attached to the wall. That way, they’re less likely to come loose and fall down to the floor in the middle of the night and set off your intruder alarms. And that can bring on a stressful night!
• Correctly sized for your apartment or condo. You don’t want a system that’s too large or too small. Size matters not only for Goldilocks but for your home security for apartments. If you don’t need a large system, a smaller system is much more affordable. You will, however, want to ensure your system includes:
  • Central control center (aka hub) with alarm
  • Motion detector near main entrance(s) (e.g., front and back doors) with alarm sensors to detect and alert you of intruders
  • Contact sensors for any doors and windows that are accessible (e.g., doors into the apartment as well as main-floor windows or windows near a fire escape). If, however, you live on an upper-floor unit, you likely don’t need contact sensors for all your windows.

Other features you may not always need but may want to consider include:

• Security cameras for main living spaces inside your apartment
• Outdoor security cameras for your entryway, if allowed
• Peephole cameras, if allowed
• Doorbell cameras, so you can see who’s outside your door before you open it
• Smart locks for keyless entry, which can allow you to lock or unlock your doors from virtually anywhere with your smart device
• Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring, which can communicate to your smart device to let you know there’s a problem even when you aren’t home.

Regardless of what type of home you live in, you deserve to feel safe and secure when at home and enjoy peace of mind when you’re away. 

An ADT (now Telus) monitored alarm system from Alarm Guard will keep you feeling secure and protect your assets and could even help you save on renter’s insurance! 

Check out our packages and call now for a free quote at <b><a href=“tel:18555184458” title=“Call Now” class=“btn” style=“margin-left:15px;“>1-855-518-4458</a></b> and talk with an expert about how to choose and set up your custom DIY system for apartment living.