The Best Smart Home Security Systems for Renters (No Drilling Required)

You want apartment security. Your landlord wants an intact security deposit. These two things are not mutually exclusive — but only if you choose the right system.

Most traditional security setups require drilling into walls, running wires, and making modifications that violate standard lease agreements.2 The good news? A new generation of smart security systems uses heavy-duty adhesive mounts, battery-powered sensors, and cloud-based monitoring that packs up in minutes when moving day comes.

We tested the top contenders on three renter-specific criteria: no-drill installation, portability (can you take it to your next apartment?), and lease compliance. Here are the things actually worth buying.

The Best Renter-Friendly Security Systems

1. SimpliSafe — Best Overall

SimpliSafe is the most frequently recommended system for renters — and for good reason. Every component uses adhesive mounting, so you won't leave a single screw hole behind.1 The base station, entry sensors, motion detector, and keypad all stick to walls or sit on shelves without permanent installation.

Setup takes under 30 minutes and requires no tools. The system is fully portable: when you move, you peel the sensors off, pack them in a box, and reinstall at your new place in the same afternoon.3

SimpliSafe offers both self-monitoring (free) and professional monitoring starting at $17.99/month with no long-term contract. That month-to-month flexibility is a major win for renters who don't want to be locked in.1

2. Ring Alarm — Best Value / Ecosystem

Ring Alarm brings the same no-drill, adhesive approach as SimpliSafe but at a lower entry price — and with the advantage of Amazon ecosystem integration.1 The base kit includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender, all mounted with adhesive backing.

Where Ring shines is cost: professional monitoring runs just $10/month or $100/year, making it the most affordable professionally monitored option on the market.1 You can also self-monitor for free with the Ring app.

Ring Alarm integrates seamlessly with Alexa, so if you already have an Echo or Fire TV, you can arm/disarm with your voice and see camera feeds on your smart display.3 The system is also fully portable — everything peels off and moves with you.

3. Wyze Home Monitoring — Ultra-Budget Champion

If you're a student, first-time renter, or just want basic protection without spending much, Wyze Home Monitoring is the play. The core kit costs under $50 and includes a hub, two entry sensors, a motion detector, and a keypad.3

Like the others, Wyze uses adhesive strips for all components — no drilling required.1 Professional monitoring is just $9.99/month, but you can also self-monitor for free via the Wyze app with push alerts.

The trade-off is that Wyze's hardware feels less premium than SimpliSafe or Ring, and the ecosystem is smaller. But for the price, it's an incredible entry point into renter-friendly security.3

Why These Three?

Every system on this list shares three critical features that make them ideal for renters:

No-drill adhesive mounting. All three use industrial-grade double-sided tape or adhesive pads. No screws, no anchors, no holes — and no angry conversations with your landlord at move-out.2

Full portability. You own the equipment. When you move to a new apartment, you take the system with you. No contracts, no equipment return fees, no re-purchasing.1

Month-to-month monitoring. None of these systems require a long-term contract. You can start and stop professional monitoring as your budget and living situation change.1

How We Tested

We evaluated each system on three criteria weighted for renters: installation ease (adhesive-only, no tools), portability (can the whole system move in a single box?), and lease compliance (does it leave any trace?). We also factored in monitoring costs, ecosystem integration, and overall value.1

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