SecurityAlarm.ca is the Canadian home security guide. We may earn a commission when you call or request a quote through this page. See how we make money.
Renter security has three constraints homeowner reviews ignore: you can’t drill into what you don’t own, you shouldn’t sign a 36-month agreement on a 12-month lease, and whatever you buy has to move with you. That filters the market fast.
What renters should look for
- No long-term contract — your monitoring commitment shouldn’t outlast your lease
- Adhesive or freestanding mounting — no drilling, full damage deposit back
- Portability — the system packs into a box and re-arms at the next address
- Entry-focused coverage — an apartment usually needs a door sensor, a motion sensor, and a camera, not a perimeter array
The realistic options
Ring — the default renter pick outside Quebec: DIY, no long-term contract, moves with you, optional professional monitoring. Remember it bills in USD and offers no monitoring in Quebec.
ThinkPro — no term, no contract per its own site, published pricing, Canadian; you own the equipment outright, which is exactly what a renter wants at moving time.
Alarm Guard — if you’re a longer-term renter who wants professional monitoring and French service, ask specifically about renter-appropriate terms; confirm agreement length against how long you actually expect to stay.
Renting and not sure what your landlord situation allows? Ask.
What to skip
Anything requiring professional installation with drilling (your landlord’s permission problem), anything with an agreement longer than your realistic tenancy, and any U.S. system that doesn’t actually serve Canada — see the SimpliSafe problem.
Quebec renters
Your list is shorter: Ring’s monitoring and Frontpoint aren’t offered in Quebec. The Quebec guide covers who is.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a security system in a rental without landlord permission?
Adhesive-mounted, freestanding DIY systems generally don’t require permission since nothing is drilled or altered — but check your lease, and always ask before installing anything wired or drilled.
Should a renter sign a multi-year monitoring contract?
Only if the agreement length matches how long you’ll realistically stay, and you’ve confirmed in writing what happens if you move — transfer, pause, or cancellation terms. Otherwise choose a no-contract option.
What’s the minimum useful setup for an apartment?
A door sensor on the entry, one motion sensor covering the main living space, and optionally a camera — most break-ins come through the front door, so cover it first.