According to research, over 39 million residents of the United States live in an apartment. Considering how many people in the US live in apartments, it raises questions about the safety of the residents.
Unfortunately, the majority of people generally know a great deal about home security information but far less about how to equip apartments for the highest level of protection and safety.
Our goal is to simplify apartment security system for you. This post will discuss the various kinds of security devices that are useful for apartments, the features that make them a suitable option for residents, and things to consider when choosing a security system for your apartment.
Security Devices Used in Apartments
Apartment security devices have evolved to meet the unique needs of renters, offering features that prioritize flexibility, convenience, and ease of installation.
One prominent feature is the no-contract feature that provides you with freedom to use security devices without being tied to a long-term contract.
Also read: What is a no-contract home security system?
Additionally, they come with a do-it-yourself (DIY) setup that allows renters to customize their security solutions according to their specific needs and preferences. Renters can choose to buy the basic components of a security system or add more devices to the kits according to their needs and budgets.
The wireless nature of these devices improves their versatility and simplifies installation further. This easy installation technique requires minimal to no drilling, so tenants can safeguard their living spaces without risking landlord penalties.
You also get remote app monitoring that adds another layer of convenience to keep tabs on your home’s security status from anywhere, at any time.
Here are some apartment security devices that you should use in your apartment for the utmost safety.
Door and Window Magnetic Sensors
The surface-mounted door sensors consist of two parts: a part that is mounted on window or door frames and a part that is mounted on the actual door or window. The door and window sensor alerts you to the presence of an open door or window whenever the connection between the two sections is broken.
These security devices are a wonderful fit for apartments because you can monitor your home’s entrances with just a little installation work on your part.
PIR Sensors
PIR motion sensors detect variations in heat, or infrared radiation, to monitor changes in the surrounding conditions. This means these detectors don’t emit any signals or energy beams and are low-powered.
When there’s an intrusion in your apartment, the PIR sensor will sense their temperature and send a notification the home security hub and then your phone app.
Also read: What is PIR sensor and what does PIR mean?
For renters with a pet, the good news is that pet-friendly PIR sensors are invented to reduce the false alarms.
Security Hubs
A security hub serves as the central information center of a security system. Its primary purpose is to enable smooth cooperation between various security devices by letting them to share information about the condition of the user rooms and giving the user the ability to control these devices via a mobile app.
One crucial aspect of a security hub is its tamper-proof design, which is essential for maintaining the system integrity. Additionally, it incorporates power and network backup mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted operation. Without these safeguards, there is a risk of losing control over the home security system.
Smart hubs are especially useful for devices that use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or Z-Wave technologies for home automation. By utilizing a smart hub, these devices can harness enhanced functionality and interoperability.
Resource: Why Smart Gateway Hub is Necessary for Smart Home?
Alarm KeyPads
An alarm keypad includes several buttons and functions that can be operated from a single place. Different from using mobile app to control home security system, it provides a local control points, and especially suitable for multi-family buildins.
One of the most important features is the ability to send a duress code in the event that you are threatened to disarm the system. The mechanism allows you to send emergency info silently, without annoying intruders.
In addition, alarm keypad has a lovely design to merge into your beautiful living environment. It also integrates fire, medical, and emergency alerts, and allows you to set alarms for different room users, making it ideal for large families.
Panic Alarm Buttons
If you’re concerned about being able to get in touch with help in an emergency, panic alarm buttons might just be the security devices you’re looking for.
When you press a panic button, it notifies your home security hub and alerts the emergency contact for quick action.
You can wear panic buttons or place them in specific areas of your house. This alternative is more suitable for apartments because it doesn’t involve any changes to the house.
Also Read: Best Panic Buttons
Smoke Detectors
Apart from the fact that having several smoke detectors within a house is required by law, environmental safety monitors like a smoke detector are the best form of apartment security. As their name suggests, smoke detectors keep an eye out for smoke and alert users immediately if they sense something suspicious.
Smoke detectors should detect fires accurately, but not go off unnecessarily. False alarms can be annoying and even dangerous if they make people ignore real threats.
The alarms must be designed to work even if there’s a fire. Smoke detectors should always be on, so they can warn people if there’s a fire at any time.
If you want to simplify the process of handling false alarms and battery changes, you can also connect smart smoke detectors to your phone app.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are probably one of the first things that spring to mind when you think of alarm system for apartment.
It is usually the most expensive part of the system, but renters may still want to think again before purchasing one, and most security systems allow for their addition.
But before making decision, it is important to note that security cameras may invade your privacy. So, one smarter option is to let the PIR sensor activate it, which means when you set the system into arming status, you could let the security camera capture images only when there is a human motion detected. This can be used as evidence when you call police authorities.
Benefits of Using Security Alarms in Apartments
If you haven’t thought of installing security alarms in your apartment, you should at least think about doing so. They will help reduce the risk of intrusions and burglaries.
Here are some of the benefits of using a security alarm system in your apartment:
Prevents Burglar Intrusion
An alarm system is a powerful deterrent to potential home intruders. Burglars wouldn’t be burglars if they enjoyed working hard. Sometimes, just the sight of a simple alarm system is enough to deter a burglar from trying to enter your house.
If you have a security system, you should make it evident with signs or stickers because it will prevent thieves from tampering with your apartment. You want to let potential burglars know that your house is secure.
Also Read: Types of Burglar Alarm Systems
Prevents Fire and Water Hazards
Fire and water leak alarms play a crucial role in preventing safety hazards. These hazards can lead to costly damages for renters, potentially resulting in additional expenses imposed by landlords. Therefore, you should install reliable home environmental safety monitoring sensors that offer early detection and mitigation of these risks.
Detect Unidentified Movements
When a suspicious motion sensor detects movement, it will set off an alarm, alerting the owner. They are a fantastic addition to the security system for an apartment.
When you leave your apartment during the day, you can activate them and disable the alarm after you return to ensure safety.
Added Layer of Security For Property
While regular access control systems already work well to keep your home and your family safe from emergencies, you can add another layer of protection with apartment security system. For example, you can add a password to your security system to make it harder for intruders to disarm your apartment.
Apartment Security Versus Home Security
The primary difference between apartment security and home security lies in the unique challenges and considerations associated with each setting.
- Physical Structure: Apartments have a different layout and structure than standalone houses. They have shared entry points that require different security measures compared to single-family homes with their own yards and entrances.
- Installation Constraints: Lease agreements and landlord policies often impose restrictions on the kind of security systems that renters can install. This could limit the types of security equipment and systems that can be installed in apartments.
- Community Environment: Apartment residents live in close proximity to their neighbors and are members of a broader community. This may have an impact on security-related factors including the possibility of unwanted access through shared areas.
- Mobility and Flexibility: Tenants relocate more frequently than homeowners do, so they need security systems that are portable and simple to install. This shows how crucial DIY installation choices and no-contract solutions are for apartment security.
What to Consider When Selecting Apartment Security Systems and Devices?
Renters will always look for apartments that have the best safety features. However, there’s something more that you can do always for your own apartment in terms of safety. But before buying security alarms for your apartment, you need to consider a few factors.
- Understanding your security alarm and protection needs
- Different types of devices that are compatible with your existing smart home system
- Automated or manual support
- Ease of installation
- Budget and the worth of the system
Where to Buy
Professional systems typically depend on long-term contracts and permanent fittings, which are inconvenient for tenants. However, affordable, do-it-yourself options will make for superior home security systems for rental properties like apartments.
You have a lot to consider when it comes to apartment security. It is important to adopt the right security measures for your apartment to ensure the safety of your loved ones and your valuables.
Roombanker offers easy-to-DIY apartment security systems that are both economical and contract-free, making them ideal for both you and your apartment. Our products are now available for purchase in the UK and Europe, allowing customers in these regions to benefit from their offerings. Additionally, Roombanker extends a warm invitation to global distributors who are interested in partnering with them.