Apartment Security Systems: Options For Apartment Home Security Alarms
When you are renting an apartment you have are in a different situation than most people that choose to use an alarm system. Most companies market their products to people that own their homes and are willing to make an investment into them, so the products most companies sell may not be an ideal fit for your situation. Below are some things to consider before making a choice of which type of alarm system to use for your apartment.
Factors to Consider
- Length of time you expect to be there
- How friendly your landlord is
- If you want to keep the alarm system after you move
- How much you are willing to spend
Suggestions Based Your Factors
Length of Time of Rental: Length of time you plan on living there is because of special offers that alarm companies offer when you sign a contract with you.- Short Rental (Less than 3 years): If you have a short term rental it could be a good option to rent an alarm home security system. If you were to buy one, it is likely that you will be required to enter into a contract that can last 3-5 years if you decided to go with the "Free" alarm system offer that most companies offer. The alarm system you use should be a wireless alarm system.
- Long Term Rental (More than 3 years): If you plan on renting for awhile, it can be a good idea to buy a wireless alarm system. With a wireless alarm system you will still be able to take it to the next place you plan on living and it is likely that you will fulfill any contract that you may enter into if you plan on staying more than 3 years.
- Willing to invest in alarm system: Purchasing an alarm system can increase property value and a landlord that knows that may be willing to front the costs of the alarm system. One thing to watch out for here is that you don't go with one of those deals that offer a "Free" alarm system because you will likely be paying off the cost of the alarm system over the life of the contract. If this sounds like a good idea to your landlord, they can choose if they want to use wireless or a hardwired system.
- Not willing to invest in alarm system: If the landlord doesn't want to make an investment in an alarm system then it is likely that they don't want wires run through the apartment and extra holes drilled, so you will have to go with a wireless alarm system that you either purchase or rent.
- Want to own: If you want to own there you have to take into account the length of time you will be staying as well.
- Short Term Rental: With a short term rental it can be a good idea to buy all the wireless security equipment up front and choose to not enter into a lengthy contract with the alarm monitoring company. When you choose to leave you can cancel your monitoring contract and take your alarm system with you. If you don't want to front all the money for the purchase of the equipment you can talk with your alarm monitoring company if you can switch locations of the alarm during the contract and what would those fees be.
- Long Term Rental: With a long term rental you can either purchase the wireless alarm system up front or you can sign a 3-5 year contract with the alarm monitoring company and they will likely give the alarm system to you for "Free". Just be aware that the free alarm systems that are offered typically don't cover all the bases that you would like them to.
- Don't want to own: If you don't want to own then it is suggested that you look into renting or leasing your alarm system, which is very common among apartment renters.
- Willing to purchase alarm and pay alarm monitoring: If you are willing to make a longer term investment and don't mind spending some money on your system, it is a good idea to purchase the alarm system and pay for the monthly alarm monitoring service.
- Willing to just pay for alarm monitoring: If you don't want to pay the fees associated with purchasing an alarm system up front, you can always choose to rent or lease your alarm system. When you rent or lease your alarm system you will pay a small monthly fee for the rental or lease and your monthly alarm monitoring charge.
- Don't want to pay for either the alarm system or monitoring: The purpose of an alarm system is to deter burglars. Some people choose to buy alarm system stickers and place them on their windows and doors to make the burglars thing that there is an alarm system when there actually isn't. Many times the alarm stickers will make your apartment too risky to rob and will decide to move on elsewhere.
Related Security System Articles
Wireless Home Security Systems
Looking to buy a wireless home security system? Understand the Pros, Cons, and alternatives that can be used instead of a wireless home alarm set up.
Alarm systems aren't only for the interiors of homes. Outdoor alarm systems are a good way to prevent burglars from attempting to break into your home
Alarm systems are not a one size fits all solution. Picking the best alarm system depends upon your home type, location of your home and many other factors
If you are searching for a home security system it is likely you have seen the free offers. Know what to expect with these offers. How free are they really?
Living on a budge and still want a home security system? There are many ways to protect your home without paying high fees. Here is a look at some options.
Living on a budge and still want a home security system? There are many ways to protect your home without paying high fees. Here is a look at some options.
