Buying guide
Security cameras for apartments: no drilling, no landlord drama
Cameras for renters have to follow different rules: no drilling, nothing that upsets the landlord, and everything packs up when the lease ends. These plug-in and battery picks install in minutes and leave no trace.
Take the quiz →Renting changes the math on a security camera. You probably can't run wiring or drill into brick, your landlord may have opinions about anything mounted outside, and you'll want to take the whole setup with you when the lease ends. That rules out hardwired floodlights and elaborate outdoor systems — and points you toward compact indoor cameras and battery units that set up in minutes and leave no trace.
Picks that work in a rental
TP-Link Tapo C225 — the best all-around apartment camera. It sits on any shelf, covers a whole room with 360° pan-and-tilt, records free to a microSD card, and has a physical privacy shutter you can close when you're home — a genuinely reassuring feature in a small space. It works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google, and costs about $40.
Wyze Cam v4 — the budget choice. Around $36 for sharp 2.5K video, color night vision, and 24/7 local recording. It plugs into any outlet and needs no installation beyond setting it down or sticking the small mount to a wall.
Google Nest Cam (battery) — for a balcony or entry. Battery-powered and weather-resistant, it mounts magnetically with no drilling required and gives you free on-device person/vehicle alerts plus three hours of history — handy for watching a balcony or front door without committing to wiring or a subscription.
Setup that respects your deposit
Stick to plug-in or battery cameras and adhesive or magnetic mounts, and you'll leave nothing behind but a clean wall. Keep cameras pointed at your space, not shared hallways or a neighbor's window — many areas have rules about recording common areas, and it's good manners besides. Indoor cameras with a privacy shutter (like the Tapo) make it easy to switch off recording entirely when you're home.
If you mostly need to check in on a pet while you're out, our pet-monitoring picks lean into two-way audio and tracking. Otherwise, take the quiz and we'll match you to the right camera for your space and budget.
Frequently asked
What security camera works in an apartment without drilling?
Choose a plug-in or battery camera with an adhesive or magnetic mount. The Tapo C225 sits on a shelf, the Wyze Cam v4 plugs into any outlet, and the battery Nest Cam mounts magnetically — none require drilling, and all can move with you when the lease ends.
Can renters legally use security cameras?
Generally yes inside your own unit, but recording shared hallways, entrances, or a neighbor's space is often restricted and varies by location. Point cameras at your own door and rooms, and check your lease and local rules before covering any common area.
What's the best indoor camera for a rental?
The TP-Link Tapo C225 is the strongest all-rounder — 360° coverage, free local recording, HomeKit support, and a physical privacy shutter, all for about $40 and with zero installation.