Renters need security that moves with them — no drilling, no long-term contracts, no permanent installation. We tested the top DIY systems from Ring, SimpliSafe, Abode, and Wyze to find the best no-contract setups for apartments and rental homes.
If you rent, you know the drill — or rather, you don't want to drill. Most landlords won't let you run wires through walls, mount cameras with screws, or install anything permanent. And signing a 3-year monitoring contract when you might move next summer? No thanks.
The good news: the best smart home security systems for renters are wireless, peel-and-stick, and contract-free. Here's what we recommend.
Before we get to the picks, here are the three things that matter most when you're renting:
Every pick below checks all three boxes.2
Ring's 2nd-gen Alarm kit is the most renter-friendly complete system we've tested. The base station, keypad, contact sensors, and motion detector all communicate wirelessly. Sensors stick on with adhesive — no screws, no wiring, no holes.1
You can self-monitor for free (you get mobile alerts and can check in via the app), or add professional monitoring for $10/month with no contract. Cancel anytime. When you move, peel the sensors off, pack them up, and re-stick them at your next place.
Best for: Renters who want a full alarm system (door sensors, motion, siren) without drilling or a long-term commitment.
SimpliSafe is tailor-made for renters.2 Every component is wireless, the sensors use peel-and-stick adhesive, and the base station connects over cellular (no Wi-Fi required for the alarm itself). You can start with a bare-bones kit and add sensors room by room.
Their monitoring plans start at $0 for self-monitoring (app alerts only) and go up to $27.99/month for 24/7 professional monitoring with camera recording — all month-to-month, no contract.1
Best for: Renters who want to build a system piece by piece and might want professional monitoring later.
Not every renter needs a full alarm system. If you just want to keep an eye on your door, your pet, or your packages, the Wyze Cam v4 is absurdly good for $35. It's a wired indoor/outdoor camera with 2K resolution, color night vision, and person/vehicle/pet detection — all free.
The camera sits on a shelf or mounts with an adhesive metal plate. No drilling required. Wyze also offers optional Cam Plus ($1.99/month per cam) for unlimited recording and advanced AI detection, with no contract.1
Best for: Renters on a tight budget who want visual verification without a full alarm system.
If packages go missing at your building, a video doorbell is the fix. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) runs on a rechargeable battery — no wiring needed — and mounts with a wedge bracket and screws (small, landlord-friendly ones) or an adhesive mount.
You get 1080p video, two-way talk, and motion alerts for free. Add Ring Protect ($3.99/month or $39.99/year) for video recording and person alerts. No contract, cancel anytime.1
Best for: Renters in apartments or buildings where package theft is a concern.
One of the best things about modern DIY security systems is that you don't have to choose between "no monitoring" and "locked into a 3-year contract." Here's how the two options stack up:
| Self-monitoring | No-contract pro monitoring | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $10–$28/month |
| Alerts | Push notifications only | Push + 24/7 call center |
| Police dispatch | You call 911 | Monitoring center calls |
| Best for | Budget-conscious renters | Renters who travel or want peace of mind |
All four picks above support both modes, and you can switch between them month to month.1
Renting doesn't mean you have to live without security. The systems above are designed to protect your space without damaging it — and without locking you into a contract you can't get out of.
If you want a complete alarm system: Go with Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) — it's affordable, easy to install, and the $10/month pro monitoring is the best value in the category.
If you just want cameras: Start with a Wyze Cam v4 and add a Ring Video Doorbell later. No contracts, no drilling, no fuss.
Disclosure: AskBuy earns a commission if you purchase through the links above. We only recommend products we've researched and verified. All prices and plans are accurate as of publication.
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