Best Home Security Cameras for Apartments and Renters (2026)

Apartments and rental homes have unique security constraints, including shared walls, limited modification permissions, and closer neighbors. This guide focuses on security cameras that work well in rentals by prioritizing easy installation, flexible placement, and privacy-conscious features suited to smaller living spaces.

What Makes a Camera Renter-Friendly

Renter-friendly cameras avoid permanent changes and minimize impact on the property. They are designed to be installed, removed, and relocated without damage.

For apartments and rentals, ideal cameras typically offer:

• Non-permanent mounting options

• Compact designs suitable for tight spaces

• Indoor-focused monitoring with optional outdoor use

• Simple setup without drilling or wiring

These features reduce friction with landlords and make moves easier.

Key Factors to Consider in Apartments

Installation and Mounting

Adhesive mounts, magnetic bases, and shelf placement allow cameras to be installed without drilling. This is essential for lease compliance and easy removal.

Privacy and Shared Spaces

Cameras should be positioned to avoid capturing neighbors or shared hallways. Privacy zones and adjustable fields of view are especially important in multi-unit buildings.

Power and Connectivity

Apartments often have convenient outlet access, making wired cameras practical. Stable short-range Wi-Fi can also improve reliability in compact layouts.

Why Apartments Need Fewer, Smarter Cameras

Apartments typically have fewer entry points, such as a main door and select windows. One or two well-placed cameras usually provide sufficient coverage without over-monitoring.

Smaller spaces reward precision over quantity.

For a full comparison across all categories—including wired, wireless, no-subscription, and renter-friendly options—see our complete breakdown of the best home security cameras for small homes.

Home Security Cameras for Apartments and Renters — Top Picks

Best Renter-Friendly Indoor Camera

Apartments benefit most from compact indoor cameras that install without drilling and can be removed cleanly when moving.

Why this option works well for apartments:

• Adhesive or shelf mounting with no wall damage

• Compact size for tight rooms and shared spaces

• Simple setup without tools

Best choice in this category:

Eufy Solo IndoorCam

This camera offers reliable local recording, flexible placement, and a low-profile design that suits apartments and rental units without permanent modifications.

Best Battery-Powered Camera for Renters

Battery-powered cameras allow placement where outlets are limited and reduce the need for wiring, making them ideal for rentals.

Why this option works well for apartments:

• No wiring or drilling required

• Easy to relocate or remove

• Works well in compact layouts

Best choice in this category:

Arlo Pro 5S

This model provides strong image quality and flexible placement while remaining easy to remove when a lease ends.

Best No-Subscription Option for Renters

Renters often prefer predictable costs and minimal commitments. Cameras without mandatory subscriptions reduce friction and long-term expense.

Why this option works well for apartments:

• No recurring fees

• Local storage for privacy

• Simple ownership model

  
  

Best choice in this category:

Eufy Solo IndoorCam (Local Storage Mode)

Configured for local storage, this camera delivers dependable monitoring without ongoing fees, making it well-suited for renters.

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Bottom Line

The best home security cameras for apartments and renters are easy to install, easy to remove, and well-suited to compact living environments. With the right placement and features, renters can achieve effective security without compromising their lease or privacy.

See the full overview: Best Home Security Cameras for Small Homes (2026)