**Your lease says "no modifications," but break-ins don't care about rental agreements.** Renters face the same security threats as homeowners, but with none of the installation freedom. These proven security solutions require zero drilling, leave no damage, and actually deter burglars.

Home Security for Renters: No-Drill Solutions

Securing your home is a fundamental part of preparedness, but for renters, this can be a challenge. Many landlords have strict rules against drilling holes, running wires, or making any permanent modifications to the property.

Fortunately, there are many effective and budget-friendly ways to significantly improve your apartment or rental home security without leaving a mark. This guide will cover the best no-drill solutions to protect your home.

The Renter's Security Mindset

Before we dive into specific products, it's important to adopt a security mindset. This means thinking like a burglar and identifying the weakest points of your home. For most apartments and rental homes, these are:

• The Front Door: The most common entry point for burglars.
• Sliding Glass Doors: Often have weak, easily defeated locks.
• Windows: Especially those on the ground floor or near a fire escape.

Your goal is to create layers of security that will deter or slow down a potential intruder.

No-Drill Door Security

1. Door Security Bar

A door security bar is one of the most effective and affordable ways to reinforce a door. This is a heavy-duty, adjustable bar that wedges under the doorknob and braces against the floor. It can withstand a significant amount of force and is a powerful visual deterrent. [1]

• Cost: $20-30
• Installation: No installation required. Simply adjust the length and wedge it in place.

2. Portable Door Lock

These small, ingenious devices are designed for travelers but are perfect for renters. A portable door lock is a small piece of metal that you insert into the strike plate of your door frame. Once the door is closed, the lock prevents it from being opened, even with a key. [2]

• Cost: $15-25
• Installation: No tools required. It can be installed and removed in seconds.

3. Smart Doorbell Camera

A video doorbell allows you to see and speak to whoever is at your door, whether you are home or not. Many models are now battery-powered and can be mounted without drilling. Look for models that come with a no-drill mount that attaches to your door or door frame with strong adhesive. [3]

• Cost: $60-200
• Installation: Most can be installed in minutes with adhesive tape.

No-Drill Window and Sliding Door Security

1. Peel-and-Stick Window Alarms

These are small, inexpensive alarms that you stick directly onto the glass of your windows or sliding doors. They detect the vibration of the glass being tampered with or broken and emit a loud, piercing alarm. [4]

• Cost: $5-10 per alarm
• Installation: Simply peel off the backing and stick it to the corner of the window.

2. Sliding Door Security Bar (Charlie Bar)

Similar to a front door security bar, a sliding door security bar is an adjustable bar that you place in the track of your sliding door. It physically blocks the door from being opened. This is a much more secure solution than the flimsy locks that come standard on most sliding doors.

• Cost: $15-25
• Installation: No installation required. Just adjust the length and place it in the track.

3. Security Film

Security film is a clear, adhesive sheet that you apply to the inside of your windows. While it won't prevent the glass from breaking, it will hold the shattered glass together, making it much more difficult for an intruder to gain entry. [5]

• Cost: $20-40 per roll
• Installation: This is a DIY project that requires some patience. The film is applied with a solution of water and a few drops of soap, and then squeegeed into place.

DIY Home Security Systems

In recent years, a number of companies have released excellent DIY home security systems that are perfect for renters. These systems are completely wireless and use adhesive strips to mount the sensors, so there is no drilling required. [6]

Popular brands like SimpliSafe, Ring, and Cove offer starter kits that include:

• A base station
• Door and window sensors
• A motion detector
• A keypad

These systems can be self-monitored through an app on your phone, or you can pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring. They are a great way to get comprehensive security without violating your lease.

The Bottom Line

Living in a rental property doesn't mean you have to compromise on security. By using a combination of these no-drill, budget-friendly solutions, you can create a layered security system that will deter intruders and give you peace of mind. Start with the basics - reinforcing your doors and windows - and then add other layers as your budget allows. A secure home is a prepared home.

References

[1] Safe on a Dime. "10 Simple Ways to Secure Your Apartment Without Drilling." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://safeonadime.com/10-simple-ways-to-secure-your-apartment-without-drilling/ [2] Safewise. "Best Door Locks for Apartments and Renters in 2026." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.safewise.com/blog/5-locks-that-can-help-boost-your-apartments-security/ [3] Ring. "Renter Friendly Security, Apartments, Homes, and more." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://ring.com/collections/renter-friendly-security [4] Bob Vila. "7 Practical Ways to Enhance Apartment Door Security When Renting." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/apartment-door-security/ [5] Catawba Security. "Apartment Living? Here's How to Boost Your Security Without Drilling Walls." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://catawbasecurity.com/blogs/news/apartment-living-here-s-how-to-boost-your-security-without-drilling-walls [6] Security.org. "Best Home Security Systems for Renters of 2025." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.security.org/home-security-systems/best/renters/