Smart Security for Renters and Landlords

Security is one of the most important aspects of renting a property, both for the renters and the landlords. Renters want to feel safe and secure in their homes, while landlords want to protect their properties and investments from damage, theft, or liability. However, installing a traditional security system can be challenging for renters, as they may not have the permission, the budget, or the flexibility to do so. Moreover, landlords may not want to invest in a permanent security system that may not suit the needs or preferences of different tenants. Fortunately, there are smart security solutions that are designed specifically for renters and landlords, which offer convenience, affordability, and customization. In this article, we will explore some of the best smart security options for rental properties, and how they can benefit both parties.

What is Smart Security?

Smart security is a term that refers to security devices that are connected to the internet and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or a voice assistant. Smart security devices include cameras, locks, doorbells, sensors, alarms, and more. These devices can provide real-time alerts, live video feeds, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and other features that enhance the security and convenience of a property. Some of the benefits of smart security are:

• Easy installation and removal: Smart security devices are usually wireless and battery-powered, which means they do not require drilling holes, running wires, or modifying the structure of the property. They can be easily attached to walls, doors, windows, or furniture using adhesive strips, magnets, or screws. They can also be easily removed and taken to a new location without leaving any damage or traces behind.
• Affordable and flexible: Smart security devices are generally cheaper than traditional security systems, as they do not require professional installation, monthly fees, or long-term contracts. They also offer more flexibility, as they can be customized to fit the needs and preferences of different users. For example, renters can choose which devices they want to use, where to place them, and how to configure them. They can also add or remove devices as they wish, without affecting the rest of the system.
• Remote access and control: Smart security devices can be accessed and controlled from anywhere, using a smartphone app or a voice assistant. Users can monitor their property, receive alerts, view live video, lock or unlock doors, arm or disarm the system, and more, from the comfort of their couch, office, or vacation. They can also share access with other users, such as family members, friends, or guests, and revoke it at any time.
• Smart integration and automation: Smart security devices can be integrated with other smart devices, such as lights, thermostats, speakers, and more, to create a smart home ecosystem. Users can create routines, scenes, or schedules that automate the actions of their devices, based on certain triggers, such as time, location, or voice commands. For example, users can set their devices to automatically turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, and lock the doors when they leave the house, or to welcome them back when they return.

Best Smart Security Devices for Renters and Landlords

There are many smart security devices available in the market, but not all of them are suitable for rental properties. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a smart security device for a rental property are:

• Landlord’s permission: Renters should always check with their landlords before installing any smart security device, as some landlords may have rules or restrictions regarding the modification of the property. Renters should also inform their landlords about the features and benefits of the device, and how it can protect the property and the tenants. Some landlords may even agree to share the cost or reimburse the renters for the device, as it can increase the value and appeal of the property.
• Power source: Smart security devices can be powered by batteries, plug-in adapters, or hardwiring. Battery-powered devices are the most convenient and portable, as they do not require any wires or outlets. However, they may need to be replaced or recharged frequently, depending on the usage and the battery life. Plug-in devices are also easy to install and remove, as they only need an available outlet. However, they may limit the placement options and create clutter. Hardwired devices are the most reliable and durable, as they do not depend on batteries or outlets. However, they require professional installation, drilling holes, and running wires, which may not be allowed or feasible in some rental properties.
• Connectivity: Smart security devices can be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth. Wi-Fi is the most common and convenient option, as it allows users to access and control their devices from anywhere, using their smartphone or voice assistant. However, Wi-Fi may not be available or reliable in some areas, and it may consume a lot of bandwidth and data. Cellular is the most secure and reliable option, as it does not depend on Wi-Fi or power. However, cellular may not be supported by some devices, and it may require a monthly fee or a contract. Bluetooth is the most energy-efficient and low-cost option, as it does not require Wi-Fi or cellular. However, Bluetooth has a limited range and functionality, and it may not allow remote access or integration with other devices.

Based on these factors, here are some of the best smart security devices for renters and landlords:

Smart Cameras

Smart cameras are one of the most popular and useful smart security devices, as they can provide live video, motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and other features that can help users monitor their property and deter intruders. Some of the best smart cameras for renters and landlords are:

• Wyze Cam Pan: This is a budget-friendly and versatile smart camera that can pan, tilt, and zoom to cover every corner of the room. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 120-degree field of view, a 360-degree horizontal rotation, and a 93-degree vertical rotation. It also has a night vision mode, a motion tracking feature, a sound detection feature, and a two-way audio feature. It can be controlled via the Wyze app or Alexa, and it can store videos locally on a microSD card or on the cloud for free for 14 days. It is powered by a plug-in adapter, and it can be mounted on a wall, ceiling, or shelf using the included base and screws. It costs $37.98 on Amazon¹.
• Blink Indoor: This is a compact and discreet smart camera that can be placed anywhere inside the home. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 110-degree field of view, a night vision mode, a motion detection feature, and a two-way audio feature. It can be controlled via the Blink app or Alexa, and it can store videos locally on a USB drive or on the cloud for free for up to a year. It is powered by two AA lithium batteries, which can last for up to two years. It can be attached to any flat surface using the included adhesive strip or screws. It costs $79.99 on Amazon².
• Arlo Pro 3: This is a premium and powerful smart camera that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It has a 2K HDR resolution, a 160-degree field of view, a night vision mode, a color night vision mode, a spotlight, a siren, a motion detection feature, and a two-way audio feature. It can be controlled via the Arlo app or Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and it can store videos locally on a microSD card or on the cloud for free for 30 days. It is powered by a rechargeable battery, which can last for up to six months. It can be mounted on a wall, ceiling, or eave using the included magnetic mount or screw mount. It costs $199.99 on Amazon³.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are another essential smart security device, as they can allow users to lock and unlock their doors remotely, grant or revoke access to guests, and track the activity of their doors. Some of the best smart locks for renters and landlords are:

• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: This is a sleek and simple smart lock that can be installed over the existing deadbolt, without changing the exterior hardware or keys. It has a built-in Wi-Fi, which means it does not require a separate hub or bridge. It can be controlled via the August app or Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and it can integrate with other smart devices, such as cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and more. It can also automatically lock and unlock the door based on the user’s proximity, and it can create temporary or permanent codes for guests. It is powered by two CR123 batteries, which can last for up to six months. It costs $249.99 on Amazon⁴.
• Yale Assure Lock SL: This is a stylish and modern smart lock that can replace the existing deadbolt, and it comes with a touchscreen keypad, a keyhole, or both. It has a built-in Wi-Fi, which means it does not require a separate hub or bridge. It can be controlled via the Yale app or Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and it can integrate with other smart devices, such as cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and more. It can also create up to 250 codes for guests, and it can lock itself automatically after a preset time. It is powered by four AA batteries, which can last for up to a year. It costs $299 on Amazon.
• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: This is a versatile and multifunctional smart lock that can replace the existing deadbolt, and it comes with a touchscreen keypad, a fingerprint scanner, a keyhole, and a shake-to-open feature. It has a built-in Bluetooth, which means it can connect to the user’s smartphone and unlock the door automatically when the user is nearby. It can also be controlled via the Ultraloq app or Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and it can integrate with other smart devices, such as cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and more. It can also create unlimited codes and fingerprints for guests, and it can log the activity of the door. It is powered by four AA batteries, which can last for up to a year. It costs $199.99 on Amazon.

Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbells are another important smart security device, as they can allow users to see, hear, and talk to their visitors, even when they are not at home. Some of the best smart doorbells for renters and landlords are:

• Ring Video Doorbell 3: This is a popular and reliable smart doorbell that can be installed either hardwired or battery-powered. It has a 1080p HD resolution, a 160-degree field of view, a night vision mode, a motion detection feature, and a two-way audio feature. It can be controlled via the Ring app or Alexa, and it can store videos on the cloud for $3 per month or $30 per year. It can also integrate with other Ring devices, such as cameras, locks, alarms, and more. It costs $199.99 on Amazon.
• Eufy Video Doorbell 2K: This is a high-quality and affordable smart doorbell that can be installed either hardwired or battery-powered. It has a 2K resolution, a 160-degree field of view, a night vision mode, a motion detection feature, and a two-way audio feature. It can be controlled via the Eufy app or Alexa or Google Assistant, and it can store videos locally on the included 16GB storage or on the cloud for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. It can also integrate with other Eufy devices, such as cameras, locks, alarms, and more. It costs $159.99 on Amazon.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: This is a premium and advanced smart doorbell that can be installed hardwired only. It has a 1536p HD resolution, a 180-degree field of view, a night vision mode, a color night vision mode, a motion detection feature, and a two-way audio feature. It can be controlled via the Arlo app or Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and it can store videos on the cloud for free for 30 days. It can also integrate with other Arlo devices, such as cameras, locks, alarms, and more. It costs $149.99 on Amazon.

Conclusion

Smart security is a great option for renters and landlords, as it can provide convenience, affordability, and customization for their security needs. Smart security devices can be easily installed and removed, without damaging or modifying the property. They can also be accessed and controlled remotely, via a smartphone app or a voice assistant. They can also integrate and automate with other smart devices, to create a smart home ecosystem. Some of the best smart security devices for renters and landlords are smart cameras, smart locks, and smart doorbells, which can offer various features and benefits, such as live video, motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, codes, fingerprints, and more. By choosing the right smart security device for their rental property, renters and landlords can enjoy peace of mind, comfort, and convenience.

FAQs

• Q: Do I need to get permission from my landlord before installing a smart security device?
• A: Yes, you should always check with your landlord before installing any smart security device, as some landlords may have rules or restrictions regarding the modification of the property. You should also inform your landlord about the features and benefits of the device, and how it can protect the property and the tenants. Some landlords may even agree to share the cost or reimburse you for the device, as it can increase the value and appeal of the property.
• Q: How do I power my smart security device?
• A: Smart security devices can be powered by batteries, plug-in adapters, or hardwiring. Battery-powered devices are the most convenient and portable, as they do not require any wires or outlets. However, they may need to be replaced or recharged frequently, depending on the usage and the battery life. Plug-in devices are also easy to install and remove, as they only need an available outlet. However, they may limit the placement options and create clutter. Hardwired devices are the most reliable and durable, as they do not depend on batteries or outlets. However, they require professional installation, drilling holes, and running wires, which may not be allowed or feasible in some rental properties.
• Q: How do I connect my smart security device to the internet?
• A: Smart security devices can be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth. Wi-Fi is the most common and convenient option, as it allows you to access and control your devices from anywhere, using your smartphone or voice assistant. However, Wi-Fi may not be available or reliable in some areas, and it may consume a lot of bandwidth and data. Cellular is the most secure and reliable option, as it does not depend on Wi-Fi or power. However, cellular may not be supported by some devices, and it may require a monthly fee or a contract. Bluetooth is the most energy-efficient and low-cost option, as it does not require Wi-Fi or cellular. However, Bluetooth has a limited range and functionality, and it may not allow remote access or integration with other devices.
• Q: How do I store and access my smart security videos?
• A: Smart security videos can be stored and accessed either locally or on the cloud. Local storage means that the videos are stored on a memory card or a USB drive that is attached to the device or the base station. Local storage is free and secure, as you do not need to pay any fees or share your data with anyone. However, local storage may have limited capacity and may not be accessible remotely. Cloud storage means that the videos are stored on a server that is provided by the device manufacturer or a third-party service. Cloud storage is convenient and accessible, as you can access your videos from anywhere, using your smartphone or voice assistant. However, cloud storage may require a monthly fee or a contract, and it may pose some privacy and security risks.
• Q: How do I integrate and automate my smart security devices with other smart devices?
• A: Smart security devices can be integrated and automated with other smart devices, such as lights, thermostats, speakers, and more, to create a smart home ecosystem. You can use a smartphone app or a voice assistant, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, to control and manage your smart devices. You can also create routines, scenes, or schedules that automate the actions of your devices, based on certain triggers, such as time, location, or voice commands. For example, you can set your devices to automatically turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, and lock the doors when you leave the house, or to welcome you back when you return.