Apartment living has its perks. Less yard work, greater flexibility, and more walkable neighborhoods. Still, you’re sharing walls, hallways, and parking areas with a lot of people you don’t know. In 2024, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) estimated about 1.1 million burglaries across U.S. households, and a fair number occur in multi-unit buildings, where access points are harder to control.
That’s why home security systems for apartments deserve a closer look. Renters face different limits than homeowners. You may not be able to drill into walls. And you probably want a system you can take with you when you move.
In this guide, you’ll see security options that actually work for apartment living. We’ll cover wireless alarm kits, indoor cameras, video doorbells, smart sensors, and more. You’ll also learn what’s easy to install and what’s worth paying for, so protecting your space feels simple, not stressful.
Types of Security Solutions for Apartments
When you’re wondering how to protect yourself when renting a house, choosing the right security setup matters. As a renter, you usually want something reliable but low-impact, systems that don’t require drilling, permanent wiring, or major changes to the property.
Most apartment security systems fall into a few basic categories. Some focus on detecting entry, like a door opening or movement inside. Others help you see what’s happening, usually through cameras. A third group watches for safety issues that can affect more than one unit, such as smoke, carbon monoxide, or water leaks.
You don’t need every option to feel secure. But once you understand how each type works, it’s much easier to build a setup that fits apartment living and your lease.
Wireless alarm kits (door, window & motion sensors)
Wireless alarm kits are often the starting point on how to protect yourself when renting a room. They use small sensors and a central hub to watch for activity and send alerts to your phone or sound an alarm when something changes.
- The most common pieces are door and window sensors. These work with two small parts that sit close together. When a door or window opens, the pieces separate. That change triggers an alert.
- Motion sensors add another layer. They watch for movement in a set area, like a hallway or living room, and react when someone passes through.
These systems tend to work especially well in apartments because they’re compact, wireless, and battery-powered. Many use peel-and-stick backing instead of screws, which makes them easier to live with in a rental. You can usually add or remove sensors as your needs change.
Most setups let you arm the system when you leave and disarm it when you’re home. You can also create custom zones, so alerts come from the areas that matter most. Since apartments usually have fewer entry points than houses, a small number of sensors can still provide solid coverage.
Indoor security cameras
To add video surveillance for apartments, security cameras do more than just record footage now. They can detect motion, recognize people or pets, send instant smart alerts to your phone, and let you check in live when you’re away.
For most apartments, one indoor camera placed in the main living area and aimed at the front door is often enough for everyday awareness and basic documentation.
Most cameras connect over Wi-Fi and come in two main power styles. Plug-in cameras stay on without charging and work well when outlets are nearby. Battery-powered cameras offer more flexibility when outlets are limited or awkwardly placed.
Alert quality also matters. Cameras with reliable motion detection and built-in AI recognition tools can tell you when something meaningful happens, instead of sending constant notifications for every shadow or light change.
Privacy features are especially important in smaller spaces. Simple on/off controls, adjustable viewing zones, and physical shutters make cameras easier to live with day to day.
Video doorbells and smart locks
The front door is the main decision point for most apartments. That’s where video doorbells and smart locks come in.
Video doorbells let you see who’s outside before you open the door. They record motion, send alerts, and often allow two-way talk. In apartment buildings, they’re especially useful for deliveries, unexpected visitors, or checking activity when you’re not home.
Smart locks change how you manage entry. Depending on the design and your lease rules, they replace or work alongside your existing deadbolt.
Common features include digital locking and unlocking, support for multiple access methods such as apps, keypads, or fingerprints, and the ability to create temporary codes for guests or service visits. Many also keep an activity log, so you can see when the door was locked or unlocked.
Doorbells and smart locks help you stay aware of who’s coming and going, without relying only on physical keys or being at home.
Smart sensors & environmental alerts
Security isn’t only about break-ins. In apartments, safety issues can spread quickly from one unit to another.
- Smoke alerts are still the core of home safety. Smoke alarms should be placed inside each bedroom, just outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Carbon monoxide (CO) alerts matter just as much. CO is invisible and odorless, and it can build up from fuel-burning appliances, shared vents, or nearby garages. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends installing CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
- Water leak sensors:These detect moisture and send an alert when water appears where it shouldn’t. They don’t stop leaks, but they can shorten the time it takes to notice one.
- Glass-break sensors:These listen for the sound pattern of breaking glass. They can help cover large windows or sliding doors when other sensors aren’t ideal.
Professional monitoring vs self-monitoring
This choice shapes how your system behaves when something happens.
- Self-monitoring: You get alerts on your phone (entry opened, motion detected, camera event). You decide what to do next: call a neighbor, contact building security, or call 911 if needed. It can be enough if you’re usually reachable and your building has decent access control.
- Professional monitoring: A 24/7 monitoring center receives the alarm signal and follows a response process (often contacting you and, depending on the event and verification, dispatching emergency services). This can matter when you’re asleep, traveling, or in a meeting and might miss alerts. It usually comes with a monthly fee but adds peace of mind.
What to Look for When Choosing an Apartment Security System
When you’re renting, the best security system is one that fits your space and your routine. You don’t need the most advanced setup. You need something you’ll actually use and keep running.
Here are the features that tend to matter most for apartment living.
- Apartment-friendly installation: Look for devices made with renters in mind. Peel-and-stick sensors, removable mounts, and flexible camera placement (shelves, corners, removable strips) make it easier to protect your space without making permanent changes.
- Coverage that fits your layout: Apartments usually have fewer entry points than houses. Solid coverage at doors and key windows often matters more.
- Alerts you can trust: The goal is useful alerts, not constant interruptions. Systems that use AI to filter alerts, let you adjust sensitivity, motion zones, and schedules help keep notifications focused on what actually matters.
- Power and backup basics: Pay attention to how devices are powered and how often they need attention. It also helps to know what happens if the power or internet goes out.
- Storage options: Think about how video and event data are stored. Some systems store clips in the cloud, others offer local storage on a hub or SD card, and some do both. Cloud storage can simplify access from anywhere, but local storage usually avoids recurring fees.
- Cost and ongoing fees: Compare upfront costs, like equipment and setup, with ongoing costs, such as cloud storage or monitoring subscriptions. A low upfront price can look good, but monthly fees add up over time. Balance what you’re willing to pay now with what you’re comfortable paying each month.
- Lease and building compatibility: Some buildings limit hallway devices or lock changes. A system that fits your lease rules is far easier to keep long term.
Enhance Your Apartment’s Safety with eufy Wireless Security Solutions
Once you understand your security needs and the features that matter most, choosing the right setup becomes much easier. At eufy, we offer wireless security devices that work well for renters who want strong protection without complicated installation.
You can start with a single camera to keep an eye on your door or your living space. Or you can choose a complete system that brings everything together. We support both approaches, so you can build security at your own pace.
eufy Indoor Cam S350
The Indoor Cam S350 is designed to give you both wide coverage and fine detail from a single camera. It uses a dual-camera setup: a 4K wide-angle camera for full-room views and a 2K telephoto camera for close-ups. This lets you see the whole space and zoom in without losing clarity. The camera can pan and tilt to follow movement, and on-device AI tracking helps keep people or pets in frame as they move around.
For apartment Wi-Fi environments, S350 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, including 5 GHz, which can help in buildings with crowded networks. Video can be stored locally using a microSD card (up to 128 GB), so recording doesn’t depend on the cloud. Privacy Mode lets the camera physically turn away and stop recording when you’re home.
What’s good:
- Dual cameras: 4K wide-angle + 2K telephoto
- 8×hybrid zoom for close-up detail
- Pan and tilt coverage (up to 355° pan)
- Night vision with face identification up to 30 ft (IR up to 40 ft)
- On-device AI for human, pet, and crying detection
- Privacy Mode that turns the camera away
- Local storage via microSD (up to 128 GB)
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with WPA3 support
- Compatible with HomeBase™ 3
If you want one indoor camera that can handle both everyday check-ins and more detailed alerts, S350 fits that role well, especially in apartments where a single camera often needs to do more.
eufy Video Doorbell E340
The Video Doorbell E340 focuses on the full doorstep, not just who’s standing in front of the door. It uses two cameras: one facing outward for visitors and another angled downward to cover packages and activity near the ground. This helps fill the blind spot many doorbells miss, which is especially useful in apartment buildings with frequent deliveries.
E340 records in 2K resolution and supports color night vision using a dual-light system, so activity stays visible after dark. It offers local on-device storage (8 GB), which can hold up to 90 days of clips under typical use.
You can power it with a rechargeable battery or connect it to existing doorbell wiring, which keeps the battery topped up. It works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and supports Alexa and Google Assistant.
What’s good:
- Dual-camera design for visitors and packages
- 2K video for clearer identification
- Color night vision with dual lights (up to 16 ft)
- Power options: battery or wired
- Detachable battery, fully charges in about 5 hours
- 8 GB local storage, up to 90 days of clips
- AI detection for people, packages, and faces
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
If your front door is a busy spot, with deliveries, shared hallways, or unexpected visitors, the E340 helps you see the full picture, not just what’s at eye level.
If you’re looking for a more complete setup, eufy ExpertSecure System brings devices together into a 24/7 local video alarm system. It’s designed to keep protection running even during outages, using local storage and a local AI agent instead of relying only on the cloud.
The system also supports 4G cellular backup through HomeBase Professional S1, with a starter data allowance included on activation. It’s a solid option if you want broader coverage with fewer moving parts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home security systems for apartments comes down to fit, not excess. Apartments have fewer entry points, shared spaces, and rental limits, so flexible, wireless devices tend to work best. Door and window sensors help detect entry, cameras add visibility, and smart alerts cover risks like smoke, carbon monoxide, and leaks. Whether you prefer a few standalone devices or a more complete system, the goal is the same: clear alerts, easy upkeep, and protection that fits your space and daily routine without adding friction.
FAQs
Can I put a security system in my apartment?
Yes. Most renters can use a security system inside their apartment, especially wireless, removable options like battery-powered or plug-in cameras, video doorbells, or peel-and-stick sensors. Always review your lease first. You’ll usually need permission for anything that involves drilling, changing locks, or installing devices outside your unit.
How do I burglar proof my apartment?
Always lock doors and windows, even for quick trips. Add simple security devices like door and window sensors, motion-activated lights, a video doorbell, or an indoor camera facing entry points. Use light timers so your home looks occupied, secure packages, and ask management to fix weak locks, loose frames, or broken latches promptly.
What’s the best home security system for renters?
For renters, the best systems are DIY, wireless, and easy to remove when you move. eufy offers several renter-friendly options designed with that flexibility in mind. You can start small with indoor cameras, door or window sensors, a video doorbell, or a smart lock, all controlled through one app or hub. Many eufy devices also use local storage, so there’s no monthly fee to worry about.
