Renting a home shouldn’t mean compromising on security. But without the freedom to drill into walls or install hardwired devices, many renters are left wondering what they can do.
The good news is our security experts have revealed four methods to boost your home’s protection without risking your deposit. From smart doorbells to better delivery habits, these renter-friendly ideas are low-effort, high-impact, and fully removable when it’s time to move.
The best security measures for a home are built around prevention – stopping opportunists before they make it to the door. We spoke to security experts about the best non-permanent tips for renters, so you can feel safer in your space, without getting on the wrong side of your landlord.
Home security tips for renters
1. Porch etiquette
It might sound obvious, but where you hide your spare keys matters more than many people think, and is the first step to securing your home without a security system.
‘Under a mat or plant pot might feel convenient, but these are the first places thieves check,’ says Edouard Rekko, a security expert at Verisure. If handing a spare to a trusted friend isn’t an option, invest in a lock box with a combination code – a safer bet that’s still renter-friendly.
Your trash is another easy-to-overlook mistake. ‘Leaving packaging from expensive items outside is like advertising what’s inside your home,’ Edouard warns. After buying gadgets or luxury goods, break down boxes and conceal brand names before disposal.
Even the way you manage deliveries can matter. Unattended parcels often signal that no one’s home, especially when paired with visible clutter or poor lighting – all of which are common signs burglars look for.
Keeping your front entry tidy, locking windows and doors (even when you’re in), and avoiding identity theft mistakes at home are all quick wins for renters. Small daily habits can be just as important as gadgets.
A coded lock box is a secure method for spare keys rather than hiding a set somewhere you hope burglars won't look.
2. Peel-and-stick smart doorbells
To still have eyes on your front door without drilling holes into the building's exterior, Corey Birnstengel of Security.org says, 'I recommend wireless, DIY systems that use peel-and-stick sensors’.
They don’t require landlord permission and can be easily uninstalled when you move.
A video doorbell is a foundational step in setting up a smart home, and you can access the live stream remotely using your phone, or tell your Alexa or Google device to tell you when deliveries arrive. Combine with more smart tech gadgets to transform your home.
There are peel-and-stick mounts available online so that any video doorbell from the big brands can become renter-friendly:
Our own Head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden has hands-on experience with eufy and Ring video doorbells, and her absolute favorite is the eufy E340 for ease of use, six-month battery life and a lack of subscription fees. Its dual cameras also allow you to view people at the door, and parcels on the floor. This mount at Amazon is designed specifically for this superior model.
This screwless mount is perfect for renters and is compatible with all second-generation Ring video doorbells. It's adhesive-backed and weather-resistant.
This custom-made video doorbell mount at Amazon is compatible with a range of video doorbells from the big brands Ring, Blink and eufy (check product description for exact models). It attaches to your front door, requiring no drilling onto the door or the property itself.
3. Indoor security cameras
Indoor cameras are ideal for renters because they’re discreet, portable, and require no drilling. Some models even stand freely on shelves or attach with removable adhesives, offering clear footage and mobile alerts without touching the walls.
‘Stick to indoor devices unless you have landlord approval,’ says Corey. In shared buildings or house shares, a hallway camera can help monitor traffic in and out of your space – especially if paired with smart smoke detectors or motion-activated lighting for an extra layer of awareness.
Just be mindful of where your footage is stored. Some brands prioritize local storage over the cloud, which is a useful feature for anyone concerned about digital security risks from smart home gadgets.
This indoor camera with 2k resolution is perfect for keeping a close eye on what's happening in the house.
You can buy two Ring indoor cameras for the price of one at Best Buy, with night vision, HD video and two-way communication.
Blink is an Amazon brand, working seamlessly with any Alexa devices. The Blink Mini is the most affordable option in their range, and it still has 1080p HD image quality and two-way audio.
4. No-drill mount for outdoor cameras
Just because you can’t drill outside doesn’t mean you can’t install cameras. You can find mounts that attach cameras to your home's exterior using adhesives, for whatever outdoor camera you're looking to buy.
We recommend a military dad's security picks when choosing your outdoor camera. And paired with intruder-proof hedge plants around low fences or windows, your home will be safe, private, and with no alterations on the building.
Using durable adhesive strips, these wall mounts are perfect for installing outdoor cameras without drilling holes into your rented property.
And if you’re heading out of town, check your system is ready for downtime – securing your home during the holidays takes a little forward planning, but renters can do just as much as homeowners with the right gear.
