Experts reveal 4 fool-proof home security options for renters – protect your home without risking your deposit

Installation is less complicated than you might think

Photograph of porch of white-brick house, with four rattan chairs, two ceiling light fans and flowers. The porch is surrounded by greenery and trees.
(Image credit: Westlake Royal Building Products)

Renting a home shouldn’t mean compromising on security. But without the freedom to drill into walls or install hardwired devices, many renters are left wondering what they can do.

The good news is our security experts have revealed four methods to boost your home’s protection without risking your deposit. From smart doorbells to better delivery habits, these renter-friendly ideas are low-effort, high-impact, and fully removable when it’s time to move.

The best security measures for a home are built around prevention – stopping opportunists before they make it to the door. We spoke to security experts about the best non-permanent tips for renters, so you can feel safer in your space, without getting on the wrong side of your landlord.

Home security tips for renters

1. Porch etiquette

Welcoming ornate double front door which is open and showing a large stone-floored hallway, with sight of a cozy living room with cream upholstered sofas in the background

Keeping your porch free from unattended parcels and branded packaging will help deter potential opportunists.

(Image credit: Drummonds / Photography by Darren Chung)

It might sound obvious, but where you hide your spare keys matters more than many people think, and is the first step to securing your home without a security system.

‘Under a mat or plant pot might feel convenient, but these are the first places thieves check,’ says Edouard Rekko, a security expert at Verisure. If handing a spare to a trusted friend isn’t an option, invest in a lock box with a combination code – a safer bet that’s still renter-friendly.

Your trash is another easy-to-overlook mistake. ‘Leaving packaging from expensive items outside is like advertising what’s inside your home,’ Edouard warns. After buying gadgets or luxury goods, break down boxes and conceal brand names before disposal.

Even the way you manage deliveries can matter. Unattended parcels often signal that no one’s home, especially when paired with visible clutter or poor lighting – all of which are common signs burglars look for.

Keeping your front entry tidy, locking windows and doors (even when you’re in), and avoiding identity theft mistakes at home are all quick wins for renters. Small daily habits can be just as important as gadgets.

2. Peel-and-stick smart doorbells

Black eufy e340 video doorbell mounted on concrete wall, next to a wooden front door.

Video doorbells don't have to be screwed in – you can find adhesive mounts and door fixtures to avoid damaging anything.

(Image credit: eufy)

To still have eyes on your front door without drilling holes into the building's exterior, Corey Birnstengel of Security.org says, 'I recommend wireless, DIY systems that use peel-and-stick sensors’.

They don’t require landlord permission and can be easily uninstalled when you move.

A video doorbell is a foundational step in setting up a smart home, and you can access the live stream remotely using your phone, or tell your Alexa or Google device to tell you when deliveries arrive. Combine with more smart tech gadgets to transform your home.

There are peel-and-stick mounts available online so that any video doorbell from the big brands can become renter-friendly:

3. Indoor security cameras

A lilac living room with a white mantelpiece, orange and purple chairs and sofas with matching cushions, and a striped rug underneath a coffee table in the center of the room.

Indoor cameras don't require any installation – and are an easy way to see exactly who's in the house.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Bevan Ltd)

Indoor cameras are ideal for renters because they’re discreet, portable, and require no drilling. Some models even stand freely on shelves or attach with removable adhesives, offering clear footage and mobile alerts without touching the walls.

‘Stick to indoor devices unless you have landlord approval,’ says Corey. In shared buildings or house shares, a hallway camera can help monitor traffic in and out of your space – especially if paired with smart smoke detectors or motion-activated lighting for an extra layer of awareness.

Just be mindful of where your footage is stored. Some brands prioritize local storage over the cloud, which is a useful feature for anyone concerned about digital security risks from smart home gadgets.

4. No-drill mount for outdoor cameras

fall outdoor living, porch with outdoor tv, couch, coffee table, armchair, modern fire place in brick wall, view of interior

Outdoor cameras, like video doorbells, can be installed outside with adhesive mounts, avoiding drilling.

(Image credit: In Site Designs / Carter Tippins)

Just because you can’t drill outside doesn’t mean you can’t install cameras. You can find mounts that attach cameras to your home's exterior using adhesives, for whatever outdoor camera you're looking to buy.

We recommend a military dad's security picks when choosing your outdoor camera. And paired with intruder-proof hedge plants around low fences or windows, your home will be safe, private, and with no alterations on the building.


And if you’re heading out of town, check your system is ready for downtime – securing your home during the holidays takes a little forward planning, but renters can do just as much as homeowners with the right gear.

Dan Fauzi
Home Tech Editor

Dan is the Home Tech Editor for Homes & Gardens, covering all things cleaning, smart home, sound and air treatment across the Solved section. Having worked for Future PLC since July 2023, Dan was previously the Features Editor for Top Ten Reviews and looked after the wide variety of home and outdoor content across the site, but their writing about homes, gardens, tech and products started back in 2021 on brands like BBC Science Focus, YourHomeStyle and Gardens Illustrated.

They have spent more than 200 hours testing and reviewing vacuums for Homes & Gardens, and have even visited Dyson's engineering labs for the full low-down of the ins and outs of our trusty cleaners.

Dan has a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Magazine Journalism. Outside of work, you'll find them at gigs and art galleries, cycling somewhere scenic, or cooking up something good in the kitchen.

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