Why renters need security gadgets: Real-life incidents (Beware, This could Happen to You)

When someone enters your home without permission, it’s an invasion of your privacy. Even if you are a renter, you have the right to prevent anyone who barges into your home unannounced. This also includes your landlord and maintenance staff who enter your apartment without proper notice procedures. Sometimes they do not have any valid reasons or any maintenance issues.

If this happens to you, then you are not alone. We have compiled several cases of unauthorized entry and break-ins that illustrate why renters need security devices.

Unauthorized Entry by Maintenance Personnel

A report from AP News reveals that a maintenance worker with a violent crime history entered a tenant’s house posing as a maintenance staff member. After gaining access to the apartment, he committed heinous acts of assault and torture on the resident. Although the property management company was sued for negligent hiring, the incident traumatized that resident and others in the area for life.

In another case, an online user from Reddit posts that maintenance tried entering her apartment at 8 am without ringing the bell. They just unlocked the door and opened it. That person only had a door latch that prevented them from stepping into the apartment. However, he got frightened by the thought that somebody was trying to break in. Upon calling the front desk, they were told that maintenance entered the wrong apartment ‘by mistake’ but they did not install any additional lock on the door, leaving the resident scared and frustrated.

Package Theft in Apartment Buildings

In this incident, the narrator posted on Reddit, telling that she lived in a gated community where the gates don’t close quickly and people get in without a code. She had lost her FFF, Sephora, and Cosrx boxes due to package theft in apartment buildings. This happened because the courier dropped that packages on her front door, and sometimes on weekends, they don’t even knock. She is also unaware that it’s her neighbor or just someone walking by her apartment who viciously seized the opportunity.

According to KIRO 7 News Seattle in Shoreline, Washington, surveillance footage captured a man stealing a package containing a $1,500 phone from an apartment building’s lobby. Despite the building’s secured entry, the thief managed to access the lobby and commit the theft.

Duplicate Keys Leading to Unauthorized Access

Another renter shared an incident in which he reported that their apartment complex made duplicate keys and provided them to another resident. That resident then entered their apartment when they were asleep, breaching their privacy and raising security concerns.

Emergency Alert Failures

A tenant from New Jersey shared her incident where all the fire alarms in their apartment were blaring without any smoke, heat, or humidity. The emergency alarm malfunction would turn off after 20 minutes. Later, it started again, kept blaring for the next three hours until the maintenance crew arrived and fixed it.

Another incident, reported by CT Insider, occurred in Meriden, Connecticut, where residents of the Community Towers apartment complex discovered that their fire alarm system no longer alerted the fire department. Tenants were instructed to call 911 themselves in case of a fire, highlighting a critical lapse in emergency preparedness.

Break-Ins in Short-Term Rentals

A Reddit user shared her story in which there were 3 break-ins in a row in their gated community. The security footage showed people climbing over the gate, breaking into the houses, stealing, and walking out as the gates auto open upon exiting.

Another break-in incident was with a social media influencer in Middletown, Connecticut. She experienced a home invasion. The intruders stole approximately $32,000 in designer items. The perpetrators targeted her due to her online presence, demonstrating the risks associated with short-term rentals and public exposure.

These incidents depict the vulnerabilities renters may face and the importance of implementing personal security measures. Portable security devices, such as smart locks, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems, can provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind for tenants.

Renter-friendly Gadgets to Prevent These Incidents

It’s unpredictable when and how someone can get into an uncomfortable situation. Especially, the renters are not allowed to drill holes in the walls, change locks, or wires, leaving them susceptible to these risks. However, there are some gift-worthy solutions to your problems, and you can secure your home with these renter-friendly smart security gadgets.

Understanding Smart Security Systems

For that, you need to understand how smart security systems can be your savior without offending the landlord. Smart security systems are a combination of hardware and software so that they can monitor, detect, and respond to security threats.

These systems include

Drill-free and High-definition surveillance cameras with night vision and motion detection capabilities.
Integrated security software platforms. They unify all security devices, providing centralized control and monitoring.
Access control systems comprise biometric readers, keycard systems, and smart locks.
Intrusion detection systems include sensors and alarms that detect unauthorized entry.

How to Integrate Smart Security Systems?

Integrating smart security systems requires interconnecting different components that work together. They are creating a unified security structure for your home or apartment. The process involves

Assessing your apartment’s specific security needs. Identify potential security threats and vulnerable areas. Then determine the security level you need.
Choose the compatible devices that seamlessly integrate.
Integrate these devices into a centralized control system. This system must offer real-time monitoring and management.
Also, incorporate AI automation to make your security systems more efficient against potential security breaches.
Cyber threats are inevitable for these systems and involve implementing strong encryption and network monitoring.

Security Issues	Wireless Solutions for Renters
Unauthorized entry by maintenance personnel or the landlord	Smart Door Locks with Access Logs
Package theft in an apartment building	Smart Video Doorbell with Storage Cloud + Package Detection
Duplicate keys	Two-Factor Authentication Key
Emergency Alert failures	Panic Button or Smart Button Hub
Break-ins	Indoor Smart Cameras

Conclusion

While you cannot violate lease clauses and have a security system to prevent danger, you can have a more reliable solution. Installing wireless and drill-free cameras and doorbells will give you a carefree sleep without any argument with your landlord.

FAQs

Do I need security devices as a renter?

Yes, although you don’t own the property, you do need security devices as a renter. It is for your safety and belongings. This is because rental apartments are often targeted by theft, invasions, and vandalism. These smart security gears alert you to unauthorized entry.

Can my landlord enter without permission?

No, not legally. Landlords require notice 24-48 hours prior to their visit. However, in case of emergencies such as fire, flood, or criminal activity, they can enter without permission.

What are the Best affordable security gadgets for renters?

To avoid unauthorized entry, go for smart door locks. The August Wifi Lock System is a good option.
Smart video doorbells prevent package theft and unwelcome visitors. Eufy BatteryDoorbell will work for you.
To monitor a room or entryway, install an indoor camera. Such as Wyze Camera V3.
To detect break-ins, go for the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor.
For emergencies, install a panic button like the Ring Panic Button
Wi-Fi network monitor to prevent hacking and tampering. Such as Firewalla Purple SE