Smart Home Security Checklist for Renters

The good news is that building your perfect smart home system in a rental apartment is completely achievable thanks to devices designed specifically with renters in mind.

So, don’t worry! This checklist will show you exactly how to build a comprehensive — and renter-friendly — smart security system. Discover exactly which devices you should prioritize, how to install them without looking for studs and drilling holes, and what to discuss with your landlord before you begin.

Why Smart Security Matters for Renters

Rental properties often come with significant security oversights that homeowners would never tolerate. Shared building entrances, limited outdoor lighting, and decades-old locks can feel out of your control and impact your peace of mind. 

Fortunately, certain smart home tech allows renters to address these shortcomings without waiting around for their landlord. Best of all, they’re portable enough to move with you to your next rental property so you can stay safe and keep your security deposit intact.

Smart Home Security Checklist for Renters

The secret to successful smart home security in rentals is choosing devices specifically designed for temporary installation. To make sure nothing slips through the cracks, here’s everything you should keep in mind:

1. Start With Entry Protection (Smart Locks & Doorbell Cameras)

Your front door is the main point of access in any rental property. And as the biggest security risk, it deserves attention first. Replace your existing deadbolt with a smart lock that fits over your old one without requiring new holes or permanent changes. Pair this with a battery-powered smart doorbell with adhesive strips to provide video coverage of everyone who approaches your door.

Top Picks

• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Attaches to the interior deadbolt, keeps the exterior lock completely unchanged.
• Ring Battery Doorbell With No-Drill Mount: Battery-powered video doorbell mounts with adhesive strips, no wiring needed.

2. Add Indoor/Outdoor Cameras With Nonpermanent Mounts

Security cameras allow you to see what’s happening around your rental property, and you can take them down just as easily as you put them up. Set indoor cameras on high shelves and buy outdoor models that use magnetic mounts or suction cups that leave no trace.

Top Picks

• Eufy Indoor Cam E220: Designed to sit on shelves and provides two-way audio
• Noorio B200 Camera: Long battery life, weather-resistant, and magnetic mounting

H3: 3. Use Motion Sensors to Monitor Activity in Key Areas

Motion sensors act as invisible tripwires throughout your smart apartment, alerting you to movement in hallways, bedrooms, or near valuables. Many of these small, battery-powered devices stick to walls or sit on surfaces without any drilling required.

Top Picks

• SimpliSafe Motion Sensor: Peel-and-stick installation detects movement throughout your rental apartment (Base Station and Keypad required)
• Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor: Adhesive backing and pet-rejection technology

4. Set Up Smart Alarms and Window/Door Contact Sensors

Contact sensors attached to windows and doors tell you instantly if someone opens them, even if you’re across town or on vacation. These sensors can be configured to send notifications to your phone or even activate sirens if unauthorized entry is detected.

Top Picks

• Ring Alarm Window and Door Contact Sensor: Integrates with Ring alarm systems perfectly
• Aqara Door and Window Sensor: Compact design with adhesive backing for walls or surfaces

5. Secure Your WiFi Network to Protect Connected Devices

Your Internet connection is the backbone of your entire smart security setup, which means protecting your router and network is absolutely critical. Change your WiFi password from the default, enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it, and create a separate guest network for visitors. 

Consider upgrading to a more powerful Internet plan if you’re running multiple smart home devices simultaneously — test your current speed to see if you have enough bandwidth for all your connected gadgets.

Top Providers

• Xfinity: Nationwide cable and fiber provider with comprehensive smart home integration.
• Spectrum: No-contract cable Internet with free modem and reliable speeds.
• Cox: Cable and fiber options with advanced security and parental controls.
• Optimum: Fiber and cable Internet delivering fast speeds for connected homes.
• Xtream: Regional cable provider offering affordable plans for Colorado residents.
• Sparklight: Community-focused cable Internet with personalized customer service and support.
• Armstrong: Local provider delivering dependable cable Internet on the East Coast, from New York to Kentucky.
• MCTV: Regional cable and fiber Internet serving communities in Ohio and West Virginia with local expertise.

With SmartMove, you can quickly and easily compare providers, so you know you’re getting the best package for you. If you’re not sure what Internet speed you need, you can take our Internet speed quiz now to find out!

6. Create Routines and Automations for When You’re Away

Making sure you automate your smart home can keep your apartment as energy-efficient and secure as possible. Managing how much energy you’re using and when is a great way to offset the initial cost of a smart home setup and give your wallet a break. 

Set up timers that turn off interior lights when you’re at work and turn on exterior ones at sunset. Configure your smart thermostats to reduce heat use while you’re away or asleep. Whatever your preference, you can manage it all by connecting your essential smart devices to a single voice assistant.

Top Picks

• Amazon Echo: Smart speaker with Alexa for voice control and home automation.
• Google Home Speaker: Voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant, Gemini, for smart controls.
• Apple HomePod: Siri-enabled smart speaker designed for Apple HomeKit device integration.

What To Check With Your Landlord Before You Install Anything

While most smart home technology requires no approval since it doesn’t damage the property, it’s still important to have a conversation with your landlord. Discuss whether exterior-facing video doorbells or cameras are permitted, especially in buildings with shared hallways. Ask about modifying door locks, even with temporary and removable replacements, since some landlords may be legally required to have access to apartments in the event of an emergency. 

Be sure to document everything in writing: send an email outlining what you plan to install, how it will be mounted, and your promise to remove everything should you move. Take photos beforehand showing the original condition of walls, doors, and fixtures, which can help you during move-out inspections.

How SmartMove Helps Renters Choose Compatible Devices

The difference between a smart apartment that works flawlessly and one that constantly buffers or disconnects often comes down to your Internet plan. SmartMove specializes in connecting renters with Internet providers that deliver the speed and reliability your smart home devices demand. 

Whether you’re planning on running a few smart bulbs or creating a full-blown security system, turn to SmartMove and explore bundles that combine Internet, TV, and phone service at better rates than purchasing separately. Rest assured knowing you’re choosing services designed to move with you.