Package theft is up 30% in NYC apartment buildings since 2023. Break-ins target ground-floor units in Manhattan and Queens at twice the rate of upper floors. If you’re renting, you want protection, but can you install a security system in a rental without losing your deposit or violating your lease?

Yes. The options available to New York City renters have changed in the past few years. You don’t need permission for most of them, and you won’t damage anything.

Start With Your Lease Agreement

Your lease spells out what counts as an “alteration” in your building. Standard NYC rental agreements typically prohibit permanent modifications but define “permanent” differently.

Look for sections on alterations, installations, or drilling. Some leases in doorman buildings allow removable devices. Others in older walk-ups prohibit anything attached to walls.

The Green Light Zone: What You Can Install Without Asking

These devices require no landlord permission in most NYC rentals. They leave no damage and come with you on moving day.

Wireless Indoor Cameras

Cameras sitting on shelves or tables need no approval. You’re monitoring your own space. Models like the Wyze Cam v3 or Ring Indoor Cam cost $30-60 and connect to your phone via WiFi.

For mounted cameras, 3M Command strips hold up to 5 pounds without damaging paint. Renter friendly security cameras NYC tenants use most often include the Blink Mini and TP-Link Tapo. Both offer motion alerts and work without subscriptions.

Contact Sensors for Doors and Windows

Small sensors attach with 3M adhesive backing. One piece goes on the door frame, another on the door itself. They alert your phone anytime someone opens that entry point.

Ground-floor apartments in Queens and Brooklyn benefit most from window sensors. Fire escape access points need monitoring too. The SimpliSafe Entry Sensor and Ring Alarm Contact Sensor both peel off without residue.

Motion Detectors

Battery-powered motion sensors mount in corners using adhesive strips. They detect movement and send phone alerts. The Ring Motion Detector runs 3 years on one battery and installs in under 2 minutes.

All-in-One Starter Kits

SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm sell complete kits designed for renters. A basic Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit ($200) includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender. Everything uses removable mounting or sits on flat surfaces.

These systems integrate all your devices into one app instead of managing multiple apps for different cameras and sensors.

System Type	Installation Time	Monthly Cost	Lease Approval Needed?
Wireless cameras	5-10 minutes	$0-10	No
Contact sensors	2-5 minutes	$0-5	No
All-in-one kits	30-60 minutes	$0-20	No
Video doorbells	10-20 minutes	$0-10	Usually yes
Smart locks	15-30 minutes	$0	Yes

The Yellow Light Zone: Devices That Need Landlord Approval

Some devices fall into gray areas. Ask before installing these, even if they seem removable.

Video Doorbells

The question “do I need landlord permission for ring doorbell” has a complicated answer in NYC. If your apartment door opens to a shared hallway, you’re recording common space. That affects your neighbors’ privacy.

The Ring Video Doorbell and Nest Hello both offer no-drill mounts. However, hallway recording still requires landlord approval in most buildings. Co-op boards in Manhattan and Brooklyn often have strict policies about hallway cameras.

Smart Locks

Replacing your lock violates most NYC leases. Landlords must have access for emergencies and maintenance.

Some smart locks work differently. The Level Lock and August Smart Lock fit over your existing deadbolt without replacing it. You keep the original key system while adding smartphone control. These retrofit models still need approval.

The Red Light Zone: Completely Off-Limits in Rentals

These require formal alteration agreements and almost never get approved in rentals.

Hardwired security systems need wires run through walls. Installers drill into studs, fish cables behind drywall, and mount panels permanently. You’d be liable for repairing all damage.

Cameras in common areas are off-limits. You cannot install personal surveillance in hallways, lobbies, stairwells, or laundry rooms. These spaces belong to the building. Installing cameras there creates liability issues and privacy complaints. Looking for home security services that understand NYC rental restrictions helps you avoid these mistakes.

Different NYC Buildings Have Different Rules

Building type changes what works. A high-rise in Midtown Manhattan has different challenges than a brownstone walk-up in Park Slope.

• Doorman buildings: Management often restricts hallway cameras completely. However, interior apartment security faces fewer obstacles. WiFi connectivity is usually strong.
• Older walk-ups: Thick plaster walls can block WiFi signals. Battery-powered sensors work better than WiFi cameras in back bedrooms. Landlords in these buildings are often more flexible about removable devices.

Your Legal Rights to Safe Housing in NYC

New York City law requires landlords to provide secure entrance doors and functioning locks. You can request lock rekeying if previous tenants had keys.

The NYC Tenant Protection Unit outlines your right to a safe living environment. Building owners must maintain security doors, intercoms, and lobby access systems. Adding your own security supplements these requirements.

Handling the Gray Areas in Your Lease

Some leases stay vague about security devices. They might prohibit “alterations” without defining what that means.

Send your landlord a brief email. List the specific devices you plan to install and how (Command strips, shelf placement, etc.). Mention that everything removes without damage. Keep that email thread. Written approval protects your security deposit during moveout inspection.

Building Security Based on Your Apartment Layout

• Studio apartment: One camera covering the entry door, contact sensors on windows if ground floor. Budget: $100-150.
• One-bedroom: Camera at entry, window sensors, one motion detector in the living area. Consider a SimpliSafe 5-piece kit. Budget: $200-300.
• Ground-floor unit: Prioritize window sensors and glass break detectors. Add a camera facing the fire escape if you have one. Budget: $250-400.
• Upper floors: Focus on door security and package monitoring. A video doorbell (with permission) covers most concerns. Budget: $100-200.

How to secure a rental apartment depends on your vulnerabilities. Assess your building’s layout and spot weak points first. Consider getting help from an alarm system installer who can identify risks specific to your building.

Audio Recording Laws for Your Security Cameras

New York is a one-party consent state for audio recording. You can legally record conversations you’re part of. However, cameras facing your front door might capture delivery drivers and guests without their knowledge.

Many NYC renters disable audio on doorbell cameras to avoid complications. You still get video of package deliveries and visitors. Ring and Nest cameras let you turn off microphones in settings.

When to Install It Yourself vs Hiring Help

Most wireless systems take 30-60 minutes to set up yourself. Ring and SimpliSafe apps walk you through each step. You need basic smartphone skills and maybe a stepladder.

Professional installation makes sense for older buildings with WiFi dead zones, complex layouts with multiple rooms, or integrating security with existing smart home devices. Make sure any professional you hire knows they’re working in a rental and will use only removable mounting methods.

Make Sure You Cover These Bases Before You Start

Before installing anything:

• Search your lease for “alterations,” “installations,” “drilling,” and “fixtures”
• Choose devices with removable mounting (Command strips, shelf placement)
• Confirm cameras don’t point into neighboring units or common areas
• Get written landlord approval for video doorbells and smart locks
• Avoid personal surveillance in shared spaces (hallways, lobbies)
• Consider disabling audio recording on cameras facing your door
• Save all communication with your landlord about installations
• Test WiFi signal strength before buying wireless devices

Getting Started With Your Rental Security System

Installing a security system in a rental is simple once you understand your lease and choose the right devices. NYC renters have access to the same technology as homeowners, just in removable formats.

Focus on wireless, battery-powered devices that mount with removable strips or sit on surfaces. Communicate with your landlord about anything questionable.

The best security for apartments combines multiple layers: contact sensors on entry points, cameras in key locations, and motion detection in vulnerable areas. This no-drill security system for apartments approach gives you real protection without jeopardizing your lease.

Professional home security services can help you design a system that maximizes protection while respecting your rental agreement.