This letter has been used by our editor and multiple readers to successfully get landlord approval for no-drill security system installation.
It uses language that addresses the two concerns landlords actually have: structural damage and liability for false alarms.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Address]
Re: Request to Install No-Modification Security System at [Property Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to notify you of my intention to install a wireless home security system at [Property Address]. The system I have selected ([System Name, e.g., Abode Iota / Ring Alarm / SimpliSafe Essentials]) is specifically designed to cause zero structural modification to the property.
Specifically, the installation method is as follows:
1. All door and window sensors attach using 3M VHB adhesive strips — no drilling, no screws, no holes.
2. The base station and keypad are placed on surfaces (shelf, counter, or flat surface) — not wall-mounted.
3. All components are battery-powered or plug into existing electrical outlets — no new wiring.
4. All components are fully removable on move-out with no damage to painted or unpainted surfaces.
Regarding monitoring: The system connects to a 24/7 professional monitoring centre via cellular network. In the event of a triggered alarm, the monitoring centre will contact me first before dispatching emergency services. I will provide the monitoring centre with the property address and my contact information to ensure false-alarm incidents are managed promptly.
I am happy to share the product specifications or installation manual for your review. I am also happy to conduct the installation with you present if that would provide additional assurance.
This installation does not require any modification to the lease agreement and does not affect building systems, shared spaces, or neighbouring units.
Please confirm your acknowledgement of this notification at your convenience. I do not require explicit written approval unless your lease specifies that permission is required for non-structural additions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
When to Send This Letter
Send before installation, not after. Most landlords respond more positively to advance notification than to discovering a system already installed.
If your lease says "modifications require written approval," wait for written confirmation before installing.
What If the Landlord Says No?
In most jurisdictions, landlords cannot prohibit portable security systems that cause no structural modification.
If your landlord objects, ask them to specify which lease clause prohibits it. "I don't want you to have a security system" is not a lease clause.
See our renter rights guide for jurisdiction-specific information.