Apartment living means balancing convenience with unique security challenges.
You want to feel safe in your home, but drilling holes, swapping out locks, or installing cameras on your building’s exterior may not fly with your landlord.
The good news: You can make your apartment significantly more secure without risking your deposit or breaking your lease.
These 16 apartment security tips are built specifically for renters. Whether you’re on the first floor or the top, in a studio or a two-bedroom, we’ll share practical, non-invasive ways to protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Key Notes
- Replace strike plate screws and add door jammers without drilling holes.
- Use battery-powered cameras, locks, and sensors with removable mounting systems.
- Install dowels, security film, and alarms on vulnerable window entry points.
- Use smart plugs and timers to make empty apartments appear occupied.
1. Reinforce Your Front Door
Your apartment’s front door is often the first and only barrier between you and an intruder. Many rental units come with hollow-core doors or short strike plate screws that can be kicked in with little effort.
You don’t have to replace the whole door to improve security – just make a few smart upgrades:
- Replace strike plate screws with 3-inch ones to anchor into the wall stud
- Install a door reinforcement plate to distribute impact
- Use a portable door jammer when you’re home for extra resistance
These upgrades make it significantly harder to force entry and are easily reversible.
2. Use a Portable Lock for Extra Nighttime Security
Even if you’ve got a decent deadbolt, a portable lock like Addalock or DoorJammer adds another layer of protection.
These tools install in seconds, require no drilling, and are perfect for nighttime peace of mind or when you’re home alone.
- Installs quickly – no tools needed
- Prevents the door from opening inward
- Ideal for travel or temporary housing situations
It’s one of the simplest renter-friendly upgrades you can make.
3. Make Your Windows a Less Attractive Target
Windows, especially those on ground floors or near fire escapes, are common break-in points.
Fortunately, you can secure them with renter-approved tactics:
- Place a dowel or security bar in sliding window tracks
- Apply shatter-resistant film to slow forced entry
- Add removable battery-powered alarms that chirp when opened
- Use privacy film or curtains to block views in
4. Install a Removable Doorbell Camera
Most landlords won’t allow wiring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t monitor who comes to your door.
Devices like the Eufy battery-powered doorbell or Ring Peephole Cam attach with removable adhesives or replace the existing peephole.
- Monitor hallways or building entrances remotely
- Deter unwanted visitors with a visible camera
- Receive mobile alerts in real time
Choose one with a quick-release mount for easy uninstallation when you move.
5. Add Smart Locks (Without Replacing the Deadbolt)
Don’t want to hand over a spare key to your dog walker or cleaner? Smart locks like August fit over your existing deadbolt, giving you more control without any permanent changes.
- Keep your original key for landlord access
- Control locking/unlocking via phone or voice command
- Share temporary codes with guests or roommates
Just check your lease or get written permission before installing.
6. Use Motion-Activated Lights Inside and Out
Burglars rely on darkness and surprise. Motion-activated lights are a low-cost way to keep them from sneaking around your entry points unnoticed.
- Plug-in or battery-powered models work indoors
- Stick-on motion lights fit in hallways or closets
- If you have a balcony, use weather-resistant models
Lighting up key areas shows potential intruders that someone’s paying attention.
7. Secure Your Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding patio doors are notoriously easy to bypass. Standard locks can often be popped open with basic tools, so adding secondary barriers is key.
- Place a security bar or wooden dowel in the bottom track
- Use a sliding door pin lock for additional resistance
- Apply window film if the door is made of glass
These upgrades don’t alter the frame and can be removed when you move.
8. Keep Valuables in a Portable Safe
Sometimes, break-ins happen despite your best efforts.
A portable safe protects the things you can’t afford to lose – passports, cash, heirlooms, or hard drives.
- Choose a fire-resistant safe with a tether cable
- Store it in a closet, under your bed, or inside a locked drawer
- Use combination or biometric options for keyless access
It’s not just about theft, but also about damage control.
9. Layer Security with Door and Window Sensors
Stick-on sensors are an easy addition to any security plan. They alert you if someone opens a door or window while the system is armed.
Many connect to apps and work with platforms like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.
- Easy to install with adhesive backing
- Some models include chimes or sirens
- Sends push alerts to your phone when triggered
Ideal for people who want basic monitoring without a full alarm system.
10. Build Rapport With Your Neighbors
A connected community is often safer. Even a casual acquaintance can act as a second pair of eyes when you’re not around.
- Get to know neighbors on your floor or in your building
- Create a small group chat for alerts or vacation check-ins
- Offer to collect packages or watch pets in exchange
People look out for those they know, and criminals notice.
11. Use Smart Plugs to Simulate Occupancy
Making your apartment look occupied, even when it’s not, is one of the easiest ways to prevent a break-in.
Smart plugs let you automate lights, TVs, or even music to mimic your routine.
- Set up randomized schedules to avoid obvious patterns
- Control devices remotely through your phone
- Use with lamps near windows for maximum visibility
They’re renter-friendly, easy to set up, and double as energy-saving tools.
12. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your smart security setup is only as safe as your internet connection. If someone can access your Wi-Fi, they might gain access to your cameras, smart locks, or personal info.
- Use a strong, unique password
- Update router firmware regularly
- Set up a guest network for visitors
- Disable remote management unless you need it
13. Install a Basic Alarm System (No Drilling Required)
Companies like SimpliSafe and Wyze offer full alarm kits that use adhesive strips for sensors and hubs that plug into any wall outlet.
You can install and remove them without tools (and take them with you when you move!).
- Includes sensors for doors and windows
- Optional keypads and sirens
- Subscription-based monitoring available, but not required
It’s a great way to get the benefits of a full system without hardwiring anything.
14. Lock Down Balcony or Fire Escape Access
If your apartment has a fire escape, balcony, or shared back entrance, take extra precautions.
- Add stick-on window sensors for doors leading to balconies
- Use chain locks or sliding bolts on interior-facing balcony doors
- Keep valuables out of sight from windows or glass doors
These areas are often overlooked, but easily accessible.
15. Stay Up to Date on Building Maintenance
A broken gate, cracked door frame, or busted hallway lock is more than an annoyance – it’s a security risk. If something’s broken, report it.
- Document the issue with a photo and email
- Follow up if it hasn’t been addressed
- Alert neighbors in case it affects shared spaces
You can’t fix everything yourself, but you can make sure it doesn’t get ignored.
16. Keep a Record of What You Own
If the worst happens and you’re burglarized, having a documented list of your belongings makes filing a police report or insurance claim much easier.
- Take photos or videos of valuables
- Keep receipts and serial numbers stored digitally
- Use an app or spreadsheet to track your items
Apartment Living Shouldn’t Mean Second-Rate Security
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to secure an apartment with roommates I don’t fully trust?
If you’re sharing space with people you don’t know well, use a lockable drawer, cabinet, or portable safe for valuables. Consider adding a keypad lock to your bedroom door if your lease allows it. Always document shared damage or issues and keep a written agreement about who’s responsible for what.
How can I secure my apartment’s mailbox?
Standard apartment mailboxes are easy targets for theft. If allowed, use a locking mailbox insert or a secure mailbox key cover. For packages, request delivery to a nearby locker (e.g. Amazon Hub), have them sent to work, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them.
Are fake security cameras worth installing?
They can act as a visual deterrent, especially when placed in visible entryways. But they don’t offer real protection. If you’re on a tight budget, start with a dummy camera paired with motion-activated lights, and upgrade to a working camera when possible.
Should I tell my landlord if I feel unsafe in the building?
Yes. Landlords are typically responsible for maintaining a safe living environment. If you’re experiencing issues like break-ins, poor lighting, or malfunctioning locks in common areas, document everything and request repairs in writing. In many cities, they’re legally obligated to address safety concerns.
Conclusion
Securing an apartment isn’t about overhauling your space, but about being smart with the tools and options you can use.
From reinforcing your front door and securing your Wi-Fi, to using smart plugs and motion lights, every small layer adds up to a safer place to come home to.
Whether you’re renting a high-rise in Manhattan or a walk-up in Brooklyn, there are practical, lease-friendly ways to protect what matters without losing your deposit in the process.
If you’re not sure where to begin, book a free consultation with our team. We’ll help you find a security setup that actually works for how – and where – you live.