Why Renters Need Smart Home Security in 2025?

Do you know that statistically, renters, especially those with low income, are at higher risk of home invasions as compared to homeowners? Studies show that the US experiences 1.5 million home invasions every year, and in 2021, 27% of those crimes were against renters. Renters are three times more likely to suffer from violent invasions. These attacks are serious threats. This includes break-ins, stacking, forced entry, property damage, theft, sexual harassment, and even murder. The most common of them is forcible entry, which is 55.7% of all events. 

Homeowners take steps to install security and alarm systems. They are installing windows, locks, and deadbolts to keep their homes safe. But this is not the case with the renters. Unfortunately, most rental properties do not offer effective safety options, leaving tenants vulnerable. This is why tenants require smart security systems.

What are the Primary Security Check Points for Renters?

If you are a renter or planning to rent, you must do a background check on your landlord and neighbors. Understanding the potential security vulnerabilities will keep you and your belongings safe. Renters experience that traditional landlord security falls short in rental units, leading to thefts, break-ins, and privacy violations common in rental properties. 

Although some buildings have CCTV cameras and security staff to ensure your security, not all renters are so lucky. Apart from that, moving elsewhere is not easy, nor is complaining to the landlord is. Therefore, you need to take precautions. For that, you need the best home security systems for renters with maximum risk management. 

Why Renters Need Smart Security?

Depending upon the place you live, there could be fewer or more of these factors deciding why renter need smart security for their homes. Luckily, by using the right and smart security systems, you can protect your home and belongings. These systems are easy to install and use. They also provide maximum safety and a comfortable living space. 

Top 6 Risks Renters Face Without Smart Security

Here are a few major home security concerns for renters that might keep you awake all night. For instance 

• You just moved into your rental apartment, and your neighborhood is used to acceptable local crime rates of harassment, break-ins, theft, and low wildlife security.
• There are no quality locks on windows, doors, and peepholes. Your apartment lacks security cameras, corridors have bad lighting, or there are no nightly security patrols.
• Your neighbors have a neglecting or property-despairing attitude. They keep damaging or staining your apartment’s exterior.
• Your landlord does not have a proper home security system for renters, and their policies also don’t allow tenants to install one.
• Your landlord doesn’t allow you to install a traditional security system, leaving you susceptible to your landlord strolling in at any time inside your apartment without your permission.
• It’s essential to secure your pet and prevent them from going outside without you. Being a renter, you need security solutions that don’t go against lease compliance. 

The ease of using apps such as Airbnb and Vrbo makes long-term and short-term rentals convenient and popular. Property owners are enjoying this investment as a passive source of income. Unfortunately, renters are not able to enjoy the same level of home security, which sparks safety concerns. The rights are mostly reserved for landlords who don’t allow renters to use traditional home security methods. 

Best Security Solutions for Renters

Where the renter’s primary responsibility is to ensure all the amenities are taken care of, they have to avoid any damage to the property. They also have to notify landlords of any maintenance issues, including deadbolt locks. The most vulnerable areas are the front door and windows. You cannot use traditional security systems, but you can follow these primary risk management steps.

• If you just moved into your rental apartment or property, ensure possession. Change all the door locks and install smart ones to avoid your landlord strolling into your apartment.
• There are several affordable security solutions for renters from wireless alarm systems to no-drill smart locks and cameras with motion detectors that are easy to install.
• If your door has no deadbolts then either ask your landlord to install one or use affordable security solutions for renters, that keep you safe without going against your contract policies. If you are not allowed to install these items then go for smart no-drill security locks for doors. These are portable, and adjustable while being safe for renters. 
• You can also install a smart doorbell device or portable cameras to keep an eye on your front door visitors.

Wireless Security Options for Renters With Strict Contract Rules

If your landlord prohibits typical home security systems that damage any surface then you can try wireless options for doors and windows. These security systems stick to the surface without damaging it and come with wireless sensors that you can operate and check from your phone. 

Wired security systems don’t get disconnected due to signal interference and you don’t need to change batteries. These systems require professional installation and will shut down during a power outage. 

On contrary. The wireless system is easy to install, runs on battery power, and is resistant to power outages. This system requires maintenance and is prone to hacking. To avoid any uncomfortable situation, go for hybrid security systems for renters. 

Steps Renters Must Take While Securing Their Homes

Since rental properties don’t offer to try-before-you-buy, do your research and ensure it satisfies all your security concerns before signing the lease. Check local crime statistics and talk to your expected neighbors about how safe they feel in this area. Keep an eye on lightning, exteriors, security cameras, and guards to ensure proper security.

Evaluate Your Property

• Analyze your surroundings and assess the level of safety required to protect your home and goods.
• Evaluate the size of your rental property. 
• Examine the number of entrances and windows, and any additional structures that require protection, such as garages or sheds. 
• In addition, make sure that the community you are moving should has a low crime rate, as you will need to put more security measures for a high crime rate.

Estimate Your Budget

The cost of home security systems varies according to their features and services. Estimate your budget and then choose the best affordable security system that offers less with more. A decent portable home security system with cameras or a home alarm system for renters will do the job. Choose your security devices wisely. Go for the ones with low cost and multiple features, such as security cameras with night vision, without wifi, and HD video capture. 

Examine the Security Installation Process

Safety installation is a time and effort process. In addition, you need to make sure that everything is configured properly and the equipment goes on. If you have a lack of expertise, either appoint a professional or go to easily installed security systems.

Conclusion

Tenants require a smart security system to avoid criminal activities such as barbarism and theft. By improving your home security, you can reduce these risks. However, there is not a size-fit-safety solution for tenants. That is why you should ensure the best returns on your investment.

FAQs

1. What are the security ideas for renters?

1. After assessing your property and analyzing the size, doors, and windows of your house, install a renter-friendly smart security system. 
2. Also, meet the neighbors and check in with them so that they look out for your house in your absence. 
3. Don’t mention your whereabouts, vacation plans, or absence on social media.
4. Get a dog for safety.
5. Consider renters’ insurance.
6. What are the benefits of smart home security systems?

A smart home security system offers remote access and centralized control. It deters crime, protects you and your valuables, and helps keep a tab on children and pets. These systems are efficient in improving home energy consumption and if you have one with smoke detectors it warns you of the early signs of fire. 

3. What is the function of a smart security system?

Smart security systems offer IP-enabled surveillance cameras, panels, and sensors. Its cloud management allows homeowners to remotely manage their systems and receive alerts. However, these systems are vulnerable to the threat of hacking.

4. What types of security features would be important to you if you were renting an apartment?

A renter will look for

• 24/7 security cameras
• Motion sensor lights
• Keyless or smart locks
• Biometric security
• Intercom system to communicate with the outside world
• Emergency response system that helps quickly at just press of a button