For so many of us, our apartment is the most important location in our lives. It’s where we eat, sleep and binge whatever the latest hit series is.
When it comes to apartment security no device is more essential than a security camera.
Find out everything you need to know before you install your first apartment security camera.
Table of Contents
What Security Cameras are Good for an Apartment?
There is a lot of information out there, and it can be easy to get lost in endless security camera options. Below, consider some of the essential factors that go into choosing the perfect apartment security camera.
Size
Apartments come in a range of sizes and types, including studios, micro-apartments and duplexes.
For open-plan studios, a single camera may be enough to cover the whole area. In larger multi-room apartments, it may be more effective to install a multi-camera system, or to use cameras equipped with zoom features.
Apartment ownership
Renting an apartment potentially means losing the security deposit if drilling holes into walls to hardwire a device. Hence, if renting, cameras that don’t require hardwiring, like AlfredCam, should be your go-to if the rental agreement prohibits damage to surfaces.
Recommended reading: The Best Wireless Security Cameras
Can I put a camera up in my apartment?
Yes, a camera can be put up in an apartment since there are no specific apartment security camera laws prohibiting this. Any structural damage that might be sustained from installation should be mentioned to the landlord beforehand.
Function & Location
Most newcomers to security cameras want to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors. Others might have a pet at home they want to check in on periodically. Either way, choosing a camera that’s fit-for-purpose is important.
Motion detection/alerts, audio functions (microphone and speaker), remotely triggered alarms, and low-light capabilities all serve to increase the functionality of surveillance cameras, and are among the key features to look out for.
We happen to know a camera that ticks all those boxes for under $30. Meet AlfredCam, the perfect all-rounder for apartment security that makes indoor surveillance a breeze.
Similarly, the actual placement of the camera is another significant consideration.
Desktop setups, which don’t involve drilling into surfaces, are common in apartments and take seconds to set up. A desktop camera can easily monitor pets, kids, or just provide general surveillance.
Security cameras for apartment windows are also common and advantageous, particularly for ground or first floor apartments that have a view of parking spaces and entryways.
Whereas an indoor camera can easily be set up on a shelf, desk, or window, outdoor cameras are more likely to need mounting on a wall.
Can I put a security camera on my apartment door?
Putting a security camera on an apartment door is reasonable in most circumstances. However, be mindful of neighboring apartments across the hall. Neighbors have a right to a reasonable expectation of privacy, so consider informing them first if the camera has a direct view into their apartment when they open their door.
Otherwise, try tilting the device at an angle to avoid encroaching on their space. If mounting the device to the door, inform the landlord first.
Can I have a camera in my apartment hallway?
Installing a camera in shared spaces like hallways is very likely to be prohibited by most landlords. The space isn’t owned by the renters, and there are other occupants in the building that have a right to privacy.
However, a video doorbell attached to the front door of an apartment isn’t unusual, and, so long as the view isn’t completely compromising a neighbor’s right to privacy, is a good idea. Just make sure to inform the landlord first to avoid running into any trouble.
If concerned about a lack of security in communal/shared spaces in an apartment building, don’t hesitate to discuss it with the building’s owner.
Budget
While it may feel like home security has to be a large financial investment, this isn’t always the case.
Inexpensive security cameras are becoming more widely available while providing the same quality and features boasted by more high-end options. AlfredCam costs just $29.99, while the AlfredCamera app even allows users to utilize an old phone as a security camera.
After I had someone break into my apartment, I discovered this app and downloaded it to my phone and I used another phone that I have laying around. Works great! Now I have a peace of mind. Later I’ll get another old phone and add it also. I really don’t have the money to get a really good security camera but I’m truly grateful that you provide this service and I’m grateful that I can get it for free.
AlfredCamera user
Adding an AlfredCam indoor security camera in an apartment provides 1080p HD footage, infrared night vision, and more. Read our in-depth overview of AlfredCam that details everything you need to know about AlfredCam, the first indoor security camera from AlfredCamera.
Recently there was a barricade/hostage situation in the apartment next door and AlfredCamera stayed on guard providing me with life-saving updates. We were forced to shelter in a place extremely close to gunfire, drones and a whole SWAT team. It was scary but AlfredCamera helped make us feel a bit more secure and informed of what was happening around us.
AlfredCamera user
Best Security Cameras for Apartments
Once you’ve taken the time to consider what features work best for you and your apartment, you’ll be ready to jump into the options available.
Here are our top picks for some of the best apartment security cameras on the market.
AlfredCam
Best wireless security cameras for apartment
Available on AlfredCamera. $29.99.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Easy to use alongside phones, tablets
- Plug-in via USB
Cons
- Indoor only
AlfredCam is an affordable indoor security camera perfect for apartments of all shapes and sizes. Record continuously or through motion detection, and with 1080p HD video. Set-up is a breeze, and the device can be used in a desktop position if mounting to the wall isn’t allowed by the landlord.
Other great features include infrared night vision, which, alongside excellent two-way audio, make it fab for watching pets left alone in the apartment, as well as new-borns.
Consider a premium subscription to get more features that are handy for apartment surveillance, including motion detection zones. Allocating a detection zone can allow certain parts of open-plan apartments to be ignored, reducing unwanted push notifications and making surveillance more focused.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- MicroSD card support
- Powered by USB
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- 7 days cloud storage
- Person detection (Premium)
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Best apartment doorbell camera
Available on Google Store. From $179.99.
Pros
- 3:4 aspect ratio is perfect for doorways
- People, package, animal, and vehicle detection
- Chic, contemporary design
Cons
- Expensive
- Learning-based AI may seem invasive to some
Though checking with the landlord and neighbors is advisable, a video doorbell camera on an apartment door isn’t unusual, making it a potentially great option for maintaining security around the apartment entrance.
Much like the Nest Cam, Google Nest doorbell’s motion sensing capabilities are advanced. It tells the difference between people, packages, animals, and vehicles in real time, and sends push notifications based on the information it gathers. ‘Nest Aware’ uses facial recognition to even notify users when a familiar face is at the door.
Expect regular security camera features like two-way audio and night vision, albeit all housed within a 3:4 aspect ratio that’s much more suitable for the location.
Key Specifications
- 1.3-megapixel video
- 145 degree field of view
- 3:4 Aspect Ratio
- Two-way audio
- Battery-powered
- Infrared night vision
- IP54 weatherproof
Doorbell cameras are a great way to increase security around porches and doorways—get to know more about them.
Google Nest Cam
Best outdoor security camera for apartment
Available on Google Store, BestBuy, and Amazon. From $158.99.
Pros
- Smart home integration
- Person, vehicle, animal detection
- 6 month battery life
Cons
- No zoom
- Cloud storage is limited
- App usability is hit-and-miss
Nest Cam is a battery-operated wireless motion sensor camera. Chic and discreet, it’s suitable for use indoors and outdoors.
Motion sensing goes a step beyond most of its competitors by incorporating facial recognition and other intelligence-based technologies, with the intention being to streamline and automate home security.
24/7 continuous video history requires a ‘Nest Aware Plus’ subscription because only 3 hours of cloud storage are provided.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Intelligent motion detection
- Wire-free
- Infrared night vision
- Magnetized base
- IP54 weatherproof
Recommended reading: Best Battery Powered Security Cameras: Your Questions, Our Picks
Nooie Cam 360
Best tracking camera
Available from Nooie. From $49.99
Pros
- Pan and tilt with motion tracking
- Affordable
- Alexa and Google Voice Assistant compatible
Cons
- No zoom
- App could use improvement
- Narrow field of view
Nooie is a solid choice as far as a good camera goes: accurate motion detection, two-way audio, 1080p video, and two-factor authentication for extra security.
Although it is a panning camera, it can’t swivel a complete 360 degrees, and with no smart detection features like pet detection, pet owners can expect unnecessary notifications. But for apartments, the tracking will be useful and more than sufficient.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 101-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- Motion tracking
- Motion detection
- Sound-detection
- Infrared night vision
- MicroSD card slot
AlfredCamera
Best cheap security camera for apartment
Available from the App Store and Google Play Store. Free, with the option for premium.
Pros
- Free, with option for premium
- No hardware security cameras required
- Unlimited number of camera devices can be used at no additional cost
Cons
- Capabilities limited by the hardware of the device it is installed on
- No infrared night vision
AlfredCamera is widely regarded as among the best motion activated camera apps for Android and iOS. If purchasing a camera would blow your budget, you don’t need to sacrifice your safety and security: simply use an old smartphone as a camera.
Since AlfredCamera doesn’t use motion sensing hardware, it detects motion through graphical information from the camera stream. It will notify the user instantly, and they can then view the live feed and interact with whoever is on the other side using the microphone.
Key Specifications
- Live feeds
- Motion detection
- Continuous recording
- Push notifications
- Low-light mode
- Two-way audio
- 7-day free cloud storage
Are there any security cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi?
There are security cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi. These either use physical storage, like an NVR/DVR or microSD card, or they support mobile data. A 4G or 5G SIM card can be inserted into the device much like with a phone. Footage is then transmitted back and forth via the network. If a cellular security camera sounds promising, take a look at our favorites.
How do you install a security camera on an apartment door?
- Notify the landlord of intention to set-up a security camera on the apartment door. If doing so would be in breach of contract, consider an alternative solution inside the apartment.
- Take a look through the rental agreement before drilling even with the landlord’s permission. Damaging the walls may result in a loss of the security deposit.
- If permission is granted or at least accepted, choose a spot on the wall immediately beside the door for the camera to be installed. Drilling directly into the door should be avoided. If the door has a peephole, consider instead positioning the camera so that the lens looks through it. Light-weight devices, like AlfredCam or an old phone running AlfredCamera, can easily be stuck to the back of a door without the need for drilling.
- Once the camera is mounted, tilt it so that it is at an angle if the front door directly faces a neighbor’s door across a hallway to respect their privacy.
- Use the live feed to assess the position, and adjust as needed.
FAQ
Can you put a security camera outside your apartment?
A security camera can be placed outside the apartment but it relies on a few strict conditions. Namely, if renting the property, damage mustn’t be sustained in accordance with the rental agreement (i.e. by drilling into a wall in order to mount a camera). Be sure to check with the landlord about any changes inside or outside the apartment, and always ask neighbors for permission should their property become visible.
Can you put a security system in an apartment?
Yes, security systems can be put in apartments. However, if renting the property, ensure its installation does not damage the property in any way, unless discussed first with your landlord and come to an agreement. Always have confirmation in writing before endeavoring to make changes that may be in violation of the existing rental agreement.
Can you put a camera in front of your apartment door?
In most places, both a landlord and a tenant are allowed to install a security camera in front of an apartment door. However, if placed by a landlord, it must not observe a full view of the apartment when the door opens as this violates the tenants’ right to privacy. Similarly, a tenant’s camera cannot have a full view into a neighboring apartment as this would violate their privacy.
What is considered illegal surveillance?
In most states, illegal surveillance is described as that which violates a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes recording bedrooms, restrooms, changing rooms and other areas in which the occupant has a reasonable expectation of privacy. It can also include the monitoring or recording of confidential communication without the consent of all parties involved, such as in California, where a person could face fines of up to $2500 per violation.
Conclusion
While it may not be something people often consider, the security of the home is paramount. As such, maximizing the strength of your apartment’s security should be a priority.
When it comes to installing a camera in an apartment, especially one that’s rented, there are many things to consider, legally and materially. Hence, functional, easy-to-use and cost-efficient devices like AlfredCamera provide an effective tool for ensuring your security and peace of mind.
Recommended reading: 5 Proven DIY Home Security Hacks You Need To Know