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Security Cameras for Apartments Made Easy with Free App

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. 

Find out everything you need to know before you install your first apartment security camera.

What Security Cameras are Good for an Apartment?

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

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

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. 

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

Recently there was a barricade/hostage situation in the apartment next door and Alfred 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 Alfred 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.

the front of AlfredCam

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. 

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.

Google Nest Doorbell Camera
Image via Google Nest.

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.

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

Google Nest Cam

Best outdoor security camera for apartment

Available on Google Store, BestBuy, and Amazon. From $158.99.

 Google Nest Camera
Image via Google Store

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

Nooie Cam 360

Best tracking camera

Available from Nooie. From $49.99

Image via Nooie

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.

AlfredCamera
Image via AlfredCamera

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

Key Specifications

  • Live feeds
  • Motion detection
  • Continuous recording
  • Push notifications
  • Low-light mode
  • Two-way audio
  • 7-day free cloud storage

How do you install a security camera on an apartment door?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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? 

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.