What Renters Can Legally Install (Without Losing the Deposit)

The Short Answer

In most US states and UK jurisdictions, renters can install a security system as long as it:

1. Does not make permanent holes or modifications to the structure
2. Does not affect shared areas (hallways, building exterior)
3. Does not violate specific lease clauses about modifications or alarm systems

Adhesive-mounted, battery-powered, WiFi-connected systems (SimpliSafe, Abode, Ring Alarm, Wyze) meet all three criteria in most standard leases.

What “Permanent Modification” Means in Practice

Leases typically prohibit “permanent modifications” or “structural changes” to the unit. Courts have interpreted this broadly to include:

• Drilling holes in walls, doors, or window frames
• Running new wiring through walls
• Installing hardwired alarm systems

And narrowly to exclude:

• Adhesive mounts on interior surfaces
• Plug-in devices
• Battery-operated devices with no wall penetration

A SimpliSafe sensor stuck to a doorframe with 3M VHB adhesive is, by any reasonable interpretation, not a “permanent modification.” A Ring doorbell that replaces your existing wired doorbell is trickier — it uses existing wiring but modifies the doorbell housing, which some landlords object to.

Cameras and Privacy

Cameras pointing into shared areas (hallways, building lobbies, parking lots) are where landlord objections are most likely and legally strongest. Most leases prohibit this explicitly or implicitly through “no modification to shared areas” language.

What works: Interior-only cameras (pointing inside your unit), doorbell cameras that point at the entry of your unit only (not into the shared hallway), window-mounted cameras that point to the exterior of the building (not into neighbouring units).

What to avoid: Cameras mounted on the exterior of the building, cameras in hallways, cameras with wide-angle lenses that capture neighbouring apartments.

Lease Clause Analysis: The 3 Types

Type 1: Silent on alarm systems (most common)

The lease says nothing specific about alarm systems. In this case, the general “no permanent modifications” clause applies. Adhesive-mounted, removable systems are fine. You may want to send your landlord a notification letter (not request — notification) stating you’re installing a system that causes no structural modifications.

Type 2: Explicit prohibition on alarm systems

Some leases explicitly state “no alarm systems without landlord approval.” This requires a written request to your landlord with the system specs. Use our landlord permission letter template — it outlines the specific installation method (adhesive only, no wiring, no structural modification) in clear terms.

In our experience, landlords who object to alarm systems are concerned about liability (false alarms, noise complaints) rather than the installation itself. A letter that addresses these concerns — and specifies that the system causes no structural modification — resolves most objections.

Type 3: Managed buildings with centralised access control

Some apartment buildings have their own access control and security systems, and your lease may prohibit installing additional alarm systems that could interfere. In this case, you typically still can use sensors within your unit, but the building may have rules about doorbell cameras or entry-point sensors near shared access points.

Security Deposit Risk: The Real Picture

The scenarios where you actually lose security deposit money over a security system:

1. You use screws and leave holes. Even small holes are typically billed at $10-25 per hole for touch-up repair.
2. You pull adhesive off incorrectly and take paint with it. The correct removal method (dental floss or fishing line behind the adhesive strip while pulling the device forward) prevents this.
3. You install exterior cameras that require screws into the building exterior. This is almost always lease-prohibited.

The scenarios that do NOT typically result in deposit deductions:

• Adhesive residue on a smooth painted surface (wiped off with isopropyl alcohol)
• Small adhesive mark behind a sensor (normal wear and tear in most jurisdictions)
• Dent or scratch from a keypad placed on a shelf (not mounted)

Our Recommendation for Renters

1. Use Abode, SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, or Wyze — all use adhesive mounting standard
2. Read your lease for “modification” and “alarm system” clauses specifically
3. If in doubt: send a notification letter to your landlord before installing, not a permission request — framing matters
4. Use the correct adhesive removal technique when you move out
5. Document the installation (photos before and after) for your records

Related Pages

• No-Drill Mounts Explained — the adhesive method in detail
• Best Systems for Renters — our renter-specific shortlist
• Landlord Permission Letter Template — downloadable, pre-written
• Abode Review — our top pick for renters