“Welcome to your ‘ideal space’! A place for rent with a ‘stunning city view,’ ultimate convenience, full furnishings, and ‘top-notch security.’ Hashtag: ‘Your Safety is our top priority!’”
You’ve probably seen this caption in every house rental post. While it has become a standard assurance, we recognize the importance of making promises and delivering them, especially for renters. Come and tag along as we tackle every step in the rental owner’s commitment to smart security for renters!
What Smart Security Devices Should Renters Consider?
In an article by TransUnion Smart Move, it is highlighted that the number of renters in the baby boomer generation has increased by 4.3 million in the past ten years, contributing to the booming U.S. rental market.
Renting doesn’t mean we need to compromise our safety. That’s why we all desire to feel secure in our homes or the places we rent, allowing us to leave without worrying about potential issues in our absence. Can space rental owners obtain a smart security system for renters that offers the same peace of mind?
This significant factor makes apartment smart security systems appealing to many homeowners. Below are some of the best AI-powered smart devices for renters that should be considered:
- Portable Security Cameras
- Wireless Motion Sensors
- Smart Doorbell Cameras
Can I Install These Smart Security Devices by Myself?
DIY has been popular for quite some time now, and home security is no exception — smart systems with DIY-friendly installation are very user-friendly and provide renters with flexibility for making changes over time. Offering easy setup right out of the box, this is no sweat, especially if you’re a tech-savvy user.
However, if you’re ain’t one, here are some tips from Alex Sears, a freelance writer in OpenMind BBVA, to help you avoid hurdles on your path to DIY home protection.
- Choose Your Smart Hub First: Your smart home’s central nervous system is a smart hub equipped with a digital assistant. They are artificial intelligence-driven and voice-activated, enabling you to handle several smart home appliances from a single seat.
- Choose a Security Kit: This is not something to worry about since numerous businesses provide comprehensive kits with every component needed for a basic home security system.
- Pick a DIY-Friendly Alarm System: Your alarm system is the primary component of any home security system. Most do-it-yourself systems adopt a lighter strategy, requiring less setup work and a wireless connection.
- Choose a Professional or Self-Monitored Service: Many homeowners, adept at DIY solutions, choose self-monitored security systems with smartphone controls, eschewing traditional subscription-based monitoring services for emergency alerts.
- Choose Your Peripherals: A key advantage of DIY home security systems is the option to incrementally add various stand-alone devices to the base system over time.
Customize Your Safety
It feels so good to optimize your living space, even if you are only renting it. Choosing appliances you like, painting the walls according to your preferences, and many more. In short, it allows you to customize your surroundings to your liking.
This principle extends to your home security system, emphasizing the importance of tailoring it to meet your needs.
Explore diverse approaches to customize and strengthen your security setup, as suggested by Vigilante Security, a Michigan-based family-owned security business. These include Perimeter Protection, Interior Protection, Asset Protection, Environmental Protection, and Home Automation.
Opting for a smart security system is the smart thing for everyone, given the wide range of designs and features available to consumers. In other words, you can discover home security systems that match your needs without compromising your family’s security.
Staying Informed with Smart Security Devices
Many home security devices are compatible with advanced programming technologies. Advanced programming lets you set conditional triggers in your smart home system, such as instant notifications on mobile devices.
The mobile application developed alongside the system is pivotal in ensuring users have access to security information. By receiving direct notifications on their mobile devices, users can effortlessly stay updated on the status of different installations in their homes or apartments.
In our digitally-driven society where mobile technologies and high-speed internet are widespread, mobile applications designed for security systems have become an indispensable aspect of daily life.
This specialized smart security application aligns seamlessly with the prevailing trend of mobile apps dominating individuals’ digital routines. These apps provide convenience, interactivity, and compatibility as optimal platforms for conveying crucial information, including security updates.
Additionally, the expanding market for smart security apps presents opportunities for revenue generation and fuels innovation across diverse industries.
Do Smart Devices Truly Secure Your Space?
Integrating smart home and security features into rental properties offers residents heightened safety and convenience for a modern and efficient living experience. By seamlessly combining smart cameras, locks, and sensors with home automation features, renters can experience a comprehensive and interconnected security ecosystem.
However, the growing number of smart devices in homes or apartments increases the risk of cybersecurity threats. These devices become vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access without proper security measures.
Cybercriminals may use security loopholes in these devices to access the home network and steal private data.
Strong cybersecurity safeguards are vital in the field of smart home technology, as some instances may even allow for unauthorized individuals’ physical control over the smart house.
Why Do You Need Smart Security Devices?
When security and home automation are combined appropriately, rental properties become individualized, safe, and practical spaces, providing numerous benefits for renters.
Here are several benefits outlined by Nick Cellucci, a content writer for Forbes Home:
Protect your properties
The most apparent advantage is this one. Everybody has items in their houses that they wish to keep safe, from priceless possessions to priceless heirlooms. A security system helps protect you, your family, and your property from crime by discouraging intruders.
Allows for Remote Access
Smart home connections let you manage door and window locks, lighting, thermostats, and other appliances from your smart device, in addition to allowing you to keep an eye on things via security cameras. With this, you may open doors for your kids when they get home from school or let visitors in.
Potentially Lower Utility and Insurance Rates
In certain situations, home security systems with expert monitoring can result in decreased premiums for your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. You can monitor and lower your energy use with home automation by making necessary adjustments from a distance.
Expenses to Expect When Considering Smart Security Devices
Determining the precise cost of a security system can be challenging due to various factors involved in setup and maintenance, including the cost of smart devices. These devices range from affordable options to more advanced and feature-rich models. Additionally, professional installation services may be necessary depending on one’s technical expertise.
Professional installation ensures proper setup and optimal device placement for maximum effectiveness. Some smart home security systems offer optional subscription plans with extra features and services, such as cloud storage for security footage, extended warranty coverage, priority customer support, and remote access.
Homeowners should factor in ongoing costs like electricity consumption for devices, potential data plan expenses for those relying on cellular connectivity, and fees associated with subscription plans for premium services. Integration costs with existing smart home devices should also be considered if applicable.
Conducting thorough research, comparing products and services, and assessing individual security needs is essential for homeowners to make informed decisions and manage costs effectively.
Do I Need a Smart Home Security System?
The benefits of a home security system are evident, yet it can be challenging for individuals to determine if they genuinely need one and, if so, which approach suits them best. To aid in this decision-making process, here are two factors guided by Aliza Vigderman and Gabe Turner, editors at security.org.
The type of housing one resides in is a crucial consideration. The article, supported by a report and their own experiences, highlights that certain housing types are more susceptible to burglary. For instance, living in hotels, motels, or hostels increases the likelihood of theft, and rental properties are more prone to burglary than owner-occupied residences.
Another significant factor is our demographic profile, encompassing race, age, and gender, correlating with the likelihood of being targeted for robbery. According to Aliza and Gabe’s research, vulnerable homes are often those occupied by single females and children, particularly those who are older or younger and live alone.
Age also influences the probability of experiencing such incidents. These resources aim to assist individuals in assessing their specific needs and making informed decisions about implementing a smart home security system.
While we cannot change our demographic attributes, understanding these statistics is crucial for assessing risks. Ultimately, prioritizing safety is always preferable to regretting not taking precautions.
FAQS
1. Which home security system is the best?
Choose a home security system based on your preferences. Multiple brands vary in cost and features. Prioritize equipment quality, smartphone connectivity, and customer support when deciding.
2. Which is better, wireless or wired home security systems?
Your preference between wired and wireless home security systems depends on factors like installation ease and resistance to power outages. Most modern systems operate wirelessly for simplicity, while wired systems have higher installation costs but don’t face the same signal interference issues.
3. Does a home’s value rise with a security system installed?
Realty Times claims that the value of a home may rise with a hardwired security system. However, because the system is primarily preventive, it is challenging to determine the precise ROI (return on investment).
4. Is a phone line necessary to purchase a home security system?
Traditional security systems use landlines for constant connection, but with the prevalence of cell phones, this is no longer required or an added cost for security monitoring convenience.
5. I want to install a security system in my home, but do I need an alarm permit?
Installing a security system without a permit is legal, but using features like emergency response or remote monitoring may require one. Without the necessary license, triggering a loud alarm without monitoring can result in fines.
Wrap-up
When combined with home automation, smart security for renters provides a potent and all-inclusive solution for homeowners looking to increase convenience and safety. Real-time monitoring, remote control, and automation of security measures are available to homes through the seamless integration of security devices such as smart cameras, locks, and sensors into the automation ecosystem.
Smart gadgets work together to build a proactive, networked security ecosystem that can successfully respond to possible threats. The customization options and potential insurance benefits further support integrating smart home security systems.
Also, a security system cannot completely protect us from breaking and entering. Of course, owning one still scares would-be thieves, especially if we place signs in front of our home from reputable security firms. Even after analyzing the burglary data, we still advise home security systems for all homes, regardless of size, style, location, or demographics.
In the current era of smart homes, integrating automation and security provides the door for a safer, more efficient, and more connected living experience as technology advances.