# ADT vs SimpliSafe for Renters: What to Know Before You Sign a Lease > Renting doesn't mean you have to skip home security. Here's how ADT and SimpliSafe compare on installation, contracts, moving flexibility, and monitoring so you can choose the right fit for your lease. - URL: https://mfpgsecurity.com/resources/adt-vs-simplisafe-renters - Category: Home Security - Author: Victor Cheng, Security Industry Analyst - Published: 2026-07-29 - Reading time: 4 min - Keywords: ADT vs SimpliSafe for renters, renters home security, apartment security system, ADT for apartments, SimpliSafe vs ADT, no-contract security system, moving with a security system --- Renting comes with its own set of security questions that homeowners rarely have to think about. Can you drill into the walls? What happens to your system when the lease ends? Will your landlord even allow a professionally monitored setup? If you're comparing ADT and SimpliSafe as a renter in 2026, the good news is that both companies can work in an apartment or rental home. But they take very different approaches, and the right choice depends on how long you plan to stay, how hands-on you want to be, and whether you value professional monitoring and installation over a do-it-yourself setup. Here's what to know before you sign anything. ## The Core Difference: DIY vs Professionally Installed SimpliSafe built its reputation on being a do-it-yourself, no-contract system you can order online, install yourself with adhesive mounts, and take with you when you move. That flexibility is genuinely appealing for renters who move often or who are not allowed to drill holes in walls. ADT, as one of the [oldest and most established names in home security](https://www.adt.com/about), is best known for professionally installed and professionally monitored systems, backed by a nationwide network of monitoring centers. ADT Authorized Dealers like MFPGSecurity can also offer more modern, apartment-friendly equipment options, including wireless sensors and doorbell cameras that do not require permanent installation. The practical takeaway: SimpliSafe leans toward self-installation and self-management, while ADT leans toward professional setup and professional monitoring. Neither is automatically "better" for renters. It depends on what you are trying to solve. ## What Renters Actually Need to Check First Before comparing brands, check your lease. Many landlords have specific rules about: - Drilling into walls or door frames for sensors and cameras - Installing exterior cameras that capture shared spaces like hallways or parking lots - Running or modifying wiring - Removing security equipment when you move out The [Federal Trade Commission's guidance on renters and security devices](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) generally advises renters to get written permission from a landlord before installing any device that could affect the property, even something as simple as a video doorbell that replaces existing hardware. This applies no matter which brand you choose. If your lease is strict about wall modifications, that pushes you toward adhesive-mount or wireless options, which both ADT and SimpliSafe offer today. ## Installation and Setup SimpliSafe ships equipment directly to you, and most components use peel-and-stick mounts rather than screws. This makes it fast to set up and easy to remove without patching drywall. It's designed for people who want a system running in an afternoon with no technician visit. ADT systems installed through an authorized dealer typically involve a professional installation visit. A technician sets up sensors, confirms placement for cameras, and walks you through the system before they leave. For renters, this has two benefits worth noting. First, a trained installer knows how to minimize damage to walls and trim. Second, you get equipment configured correctly the first time, rather than troubleshooting placement and signal strength on your own. If your schedule makes it hard to be home for an installation appointment, that's worth weighing. If you would rather have a professional confirm everything works before they leave, that also matters. ## Contracts, Fees, and Flexibility This is where the two companies differ most, and where renters need to read the fine print carefully. SimpliSafe markets itself as contract-free, meaning you can typically cancel monitoring month to month. That flexibility can be attractive if you are not sure how long you will stay in a given rental. ADT plans arranged through authorized dealers can vary by dealer and package, so contract length, equipment costs, and monitoring fees are not one-size-fits-all. It's worth asking directly about term length, what happens if you move mid-contract, and whether the system can transfer to a new address. Reputable dealers, including MFPGSecurity, should be able to explain these terms clearly before you sign anything. If a company won't answer specific questions about contract length or moving policies up front, that's a red flag regardless of brand. The [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/) has published general guidance encouraging consumers to fully understand contract terms, cancellation policies, and any fees before signing for recurring services like security monitoring. That advice applies whether you're comparing ADT, SimpliSafe, or any other provider. ## Moving Between Apartments Renters move more often than homeowners, and that reality should factor into your decision. SimpliSafe's take-it-with-you design is built for this. Since most sensors use adhesive mounts, you can peel them off, pack them, and reinstall at your next address without much fuss. With ADT, moving is possible but works differently. Because installation may involve professional setup, moving your system to a new rental could mean scheduling a new installation appointment rather than a simple DIY reinstall. Some ADT customers relocate their monitoring service and have equipment reinstalled at the new address. If you know you'll be moving within a year or two, ask your dealer directly how relocation works, what it costs, and how much notice they need. ## Professional Monitoring: Where ADT Has an Edge Monitoring is arguably the most important piece of any security system, because a sensor that detects a break-in is only useful if someone responds. Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring options, where trained agents can contact you and dispatch emergency services if an alarm triggers. ADT has decades of experience operating monitoring centers and has built out redundant infrastructure designed to keep monitoring active even during power outages or network disruptions in a given region. According to research summarized by the [National Council for Home Safety and Security](https://www.nchss.org/), homes without any security system are notably more likely to be targeted by burglars compared to homes with visible security measures, which is one reason professional monitoring, not just a self-monitored app alert, matters for many renters living alone or in higher-turnover buildings. If having a live agent immediately aware of an alarm event is a priority, especially for those living alone, ADT's long-standing monitoring infrastructure is worth factoring in. If you are comfortable relying on a self-monitoring app and are prepared to call 911 yourself, SimpliSafe's model may feel sufficient. ## Cost Considerations for Renters Renters are often budgeting tightly around rent, deposits, and utilities, so cost matters. Rather than quote specific prices, which vary by provider, package, and location, it's more useful to think about the full cost picture: - Upfront equipment cost - Monthly monitoring fee - Installation fee, if any - Cancellation or early termination costs - Costs to relocate or reinstall equipment when you move SimpliSafe tends to have lower upfront costs because you're doing the installation yourself. ADT's professional installation may carry a higher upfront cost but can include setup labor and system verification as part of that fee. Ask any provider, including an ADT Authorized Dealer, for a full breakdown of these costs in writing before committing. A trustworthy dealer will walk through this with you over the phone. You can reach MFPGSecurity at 833-842-0818 to ask specific questions about renter-friendly equipment and current offers. ## Smart Home Integration Many renters already have smart home devices such as video doorbells, smart locks, or voice assistants. Both ADT and SimpliSafe support integrations with popular smart home ecosystems, though the specific compatible devices and depth of integration can change over time as both companies update their equipment lineups. If you already own smart home devices, ask directly whether they'll work with the system you're considering, rather than assuming compatibility. ## Which Makes More Sense for You? There's no universal answer, but a few patterns tend to hold: **SimpliSafe may suit you better if** you move frequently, want to avoid any installation appointment, prefer month-to-month flexibility, and are comfortable being your own first line of response. **ADT may suit you better if** you want professional installation done right the first time, prefer the reassurance of an established monitoring network, and are staying in your current rental long enough to make a slightly longer setup process worthwhile. Renters also don't need to choose blind. It's reasonable to call both companies, ask about renter-specific policies, and compare the actual answers you get, not just the marketing pages. You can browse more comparisons and security guides on our [home page](/) or read more about who we are and how we work with ADT on our [about us page](/about-us). Whatever you decide, protecting a rental doesn't have to mean permanent changes to the property or a system that follows you around like a headache. With the right setup and clear answers about contracts and moving policies, security can be one less thing to worry about during a lease. ## Common Questions **Does my landlord have to approve a security system before I install one?** In most cases, yes, especially if installation involves drilling, wiring, or exterior cameras. Renters should check their lease and get written permission for anything beyond simple adhesive-mount devices. The Federal Trade Commission recommends renters clarify these details with landlords before installing any monitored device. **Can I take an ADT system with me when I move out of my rental?** It depends on your specific contract and dealer. Some ADT setups can be relocated with a new installation appointment at your next address, while others may require adjustments to your agreement. Always ask your authorized dealer directly about relocation policies before signing, and call 833-842-0818 if you want this explained clearly ahead of time. **Is SimpliSafe cheaper than ADT for renters?** Upfront costs are often lower with SimpliSafe because installation is self-managed. However, total cost depends on monitoring plan, equipment package, contract terms, and any fees for moving or cancellation. Renters should compare the full cost picture from each provider rather than relying on advertised starting prices alone. ## Get a Free Quote Ready to protect what matters most? Get a free, no obligation quote on a professionally installed ADT home security system with 24/7 monitoring from MFPGSecurity. [Request your free quote](/) or call [833-842-0818](tel:8338420818) to talk with a security specialist today. ## FAQ ### Does my landlord have to approve a security system before I install one? In most cases, yes, especially if installation involves drilling, wiring, or exterior cameras. Renters should check their lease and get written permission for anything beyond simple adhesive-mount devices. The Federal Trade Commission recommends renters clarify these details with landlords before installing any monitored device. ### Can I take an ADT system with me when I move out of my rental? It depends on your specific contract and dealer. Some ADT setups can be relocated with a new installation appointment at your next address, while others may require adjustments to your agreement. Always ask your authorized dealer directly about relocation policies before signing, and call 833-842-0818 if you want this explained clearly ahead of time. ### Is SimpliSafe cheaper than ADT for renters? Upfront costs are often lower with SimpliSafe because installation is self-managed. However, total cost depends on monitoring plan, equipment package, contract terms, and any fees for moving or cancellation. Renters should compare the full cost picture from each provider rather than relying on advertised starting prices alone. ## Sources - ADT About Us: https://www.adt.com/about - Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Advice: https://consumer.ftc.gov/ - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ - National Council for Home Safety and Security: https://www.nchss.org/ --- Published by MFPGSecurity, https://mfpgsecurity.com (ADT Authorized Dealer). Call 833-842-0818.