How to Set Up Security Cameras in a Rental Without Losing Your Deposit
Renting shouldn't mean choosing between feeling safe and getting your security deposit back. With the right setup and a few simple steps, you can do both. This guide covers what to ask your landlord, how to install devices without damaging walls, and how to take your devices with you at move-out.
Do you need landlord permission to install a security camera in your apartment?
Quick Answer: It depends on your lease and where the device goes. Devices inside your unit are often allowed, but you’ll want to check your lease for rules on modifications and ask before placing anything in shared areas like hallways or common balconies.
Rules vary by lease, building, and location, so the below is general guidance. Before you install anything, it helps to know:
Your lease. Look for clauses in your lease on alterations, mounting hardware, or electronic devices.
Shared spaces. Identify shared spaces such as hallways, stairwells, and shared balconies before installing a device in these areas.
Written approval. If you’d like to install a device in a common space of modify an interior space, reach out to your landlord by email or text so you have a record of their response.
Here are a few questions worth asking your landlord:
Are indoor cameras allowed in my unit?
Can I place a device on my private balcony or patio?
Is a doorbell camera allowed at my entrance, and can I use the included mounting kit?
Are there rules about devices facing shared areas?
How do you install a security camera in a rental without damaging walls?
Quick Answer: Choose devices that plug into an outlet or run on batteries, and place them on a shelf, windowsill, or with an included mounting kit. This avoids running wires and keeps changes to your space minimal.
The good news is that most Blink devices are designed to work right out of the box with little to no permanent changes to your space. Whether you're covering a living room, front door, or outdoor area, there's a device that fits without putting your walls at risk. Here's how to match the right device to each spot:
For living areas consider a plug-in device like a Blink Mini 2K+. This device plugs into a standard outlet via USB-C and does not require a sync module to function. Set it on a shelf, bookcase, or windowsill and it’s good to go.
For your front door consider a battery doorbell like a Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+. This device runs on three AA lithium batteries and installs with the included mounting kit. If your landlord allows only certain mounting methods, ask before you install.
For a balcony or patio consider a battery outdoor device like a Blink Outdoor 2K+. Running on two AA lithium batteries, this device is IP-65 rated for rain and snow, and installs with the included mounting kit.
Tips to keep the install low impact:
Take a photo of each spot before you install your device to replicate when it’s time to move out.
Keep the mounting kit and any original hardware so you can reverse the install.
If you need to mount a device, check in with your landlord to confirm non-permanent modifications are okay inside your unit.
How can you protect your security deposit if you install cameras in your apartment?
Quick Answer: Document the condition of each spot before and after the installation. Use the least invasive mounting option. Get permission in writing and remove everything before your move-out inspection.
Before you install:
Review your lease for modification and device rules.
Get written approval for any outdoor, doorbell, or shared area device placement.
Photograph each wall, shelf, or door frame where a device will go.
While you rent:
Choose shelf, windowsill, or plug-in placement where you can.
Keep the original mounting kit and packaging.
Re-check your lease if you renew or your landlord changes the rules.
Before move-out:
Remove all devices and mounting hardware.
Photograph each spot after removal.
Check for marks or residue and clean them before your inspection.
Keep your before-and-after photos with your lease records.
How do you move your security cameras to a new apartment?
Quick Answer: Blink devices are designed to be portable, so when it’s time to move uninstall each device, pack them with their mounting kits, and set them up again through the Blink app at your new place.
One of the best things about Blink devices is that they're built to move with you. Whether you're moving across town or to a completely different city, the process is straightforward. Here's how to make the transition as smooth as possible:
Remove your devices.
Photograph the empty spots for your deposit records.
Pack the devices with their mounting kits and batteries.
Set up at your new place. Open the Blink Home Monitor app and follow the in-app prompts to add each device and connect it to your new wifi network.
Add your sync module first if your devices need one, such as Blink Outdoor 2K+ and Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+.
Choose placements and check your settings, including motion detection sensitivity and activity zones.
Can you use a security cameras in a rental without a subscription?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can use security cameras in a rental without a subscription. Every Blink device works without a subscription for live view, motion alerts, two-way audio, and Night Vision. An optional Blink subscription adds features such as cloud video storage.¹
A lot of renters assume they need a subscription to get real use out of their security camera, but that's not the case with Blink. The core features you'll use every day come built into every device at no extra cost. Here's what's included without a subscription:
Live view: Check in on your home anytime from the Blink app.
Motion alerts: Get real-time notifications on your phone when motion is detected.
Two-way audio: See, hear, and speak to visitors or delivery drivers through the app.
Night Vision: See clearly in low light, with infrared in near darkness.³
Alexa integration: Stream live video on Echo Show, arm and disarm your system by voice, and set up Alexa Routines.
If you want local storage without a monthly fee, a compatible Blink device paired with Sync Module 2 and a USB drive lets you save clips locally.²
Renting and home security don't have to be at odds. With the right devices and a little planning, you can help protect your space without putting your deposit at risk. Document everything, keep your install simple, and when it's time to move, your Blink devices are ready to go with you.
Looking for help choosing devices? Check out our Renters' Guide to Security Cameras for Apartments.
FAQs
Q: Do I need my landlord's permission to install a security camera in my apartment?
A: It depends on your lease and where the device goes. Check your lease and get written permission for shared areas and any mounting that changes the unit.
Q: Can I install a security camera in a rental without drilling? A: Yes. Blink Mini 2K+ plugs into any standard outlet and can sit on a shelf or windowsill. Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ and Blink Outdoor 2K+ include mounting kits that can be installed with minimal hardware.
Q: Will a security camera affect my security deposit?
A: It can if a device leaves marks or damage. Use the least invasive placement, photograph each spot before and after, and remove everything before your move-out inspection.
Q: Can I take my Blink cameras with me when I move?
A: Yes. Remove each device and set it up again at your new place through the Blink app.
Q: What is the easiest Blink camera to use in an apartment?
A: Blink Mini 2K+ is a compact plug-in camera that needs no sync module. Plug it in, connect to wifi, and it's ready in minutes.
Q: Do Blink cameras work without a subscription?
A: Yes. Live view, motion alerts, two-way audio, and Night Vision are available without a subscription.³
¹Compatible Blink subscription required. Your Blink videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 60 days from recording. Modifying your video storage duration affects only recordings created after the change is applied.
²The subscription plan and sync module are not required to use live view and get motion alerts in the Blink app. Local storage backup feature applicable to Blink Indoor and Outdoor cameras, new Blink Video Doorbell, and Blink Mini.
³Ambient light required for Night Vision in low light; if there is insufficient light, the camera may default to infrared (black and white) mode.