Living in a rental property is already difficult enough at the best of times, but it becomes a special kind of hell when you have to live with an untrustworthy roommate. Unfortunately, we don't always have a choice. While we can't protect the leftovers in your fridge, we can offer some advice on security devices that can help keep your belongings safe.
If you're bothered by a roommate who ignores your boundaries, “borrows” things they'll never see again, or just generally gives off a creepy vibe, give this tech a try. I've tested dozens of security devices for CNET, and these are my favorite, affordable ones for a one-bedroom rental situation, along with some top advice.
Important note: Some renters may be able to install wireless home security equipment that won't be damaged by installation and can be easily transported when they move. Our list of the best home security systems for renters includes DIY units that require no drilling or installation experience to set up.
First, check your rental agreement (if you have one)
Check the information about your living situation.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Before installing any new security technology, it's a good idea to take out the lease you signed and review the fine print. Your lease may contain certain restrictions for you as a tenant. Look for sentences or sections like the following:
Security and who is responsible for maintaining security. Some leases may mention smart home technology or door locks. Modifications that tenants may make, and what modifications they may not make. Some owners want to limit what tech or gadgets tenants can add. A way to contact the owner or landlord to discuss theft and ask for exceptions to the rules if it's a serious issue. The repairs and maintenance section may specify who is responsible for certain types of home hardware or security.
Not everyone has a written rental agreement. If you have a more casual sublease agreement with a primary tenant or a similar living situation, you may not know what rules apply to you. In these cases, you'll need to be a little more open in your communication.
Speak with your roommates, especially your primary tenant if you have one, and let them know you're considering using a home security device. Get consent wherever possible. If you have a simple written agreement, it's a good idea to add language that allows for the use of home security technology.
Add a smart lock to your bedroom door
Some smart locks can be used on any door in your home and are easy to set up.
Honeywell/Lowes
Adding a smart lock is probably the best way to secure your belongings and protect yourself from prying roommates and thieves. But if you're looking for a smart lock for your room, you're probably aware of some issues. They're often deadbolt locks, which can seem too intrusive to install or cause damage to your door.
Good news: Not all smart locks are deadbolts, and regular knobs and lever-style handles can be replaced without leaving any permanent marks (as long as you have a screwdriver handy). Consider this fingerprint-sensing keypad smart handle from Yamiry, which currently sells for $80. This handle offers all the benefits of a traditional smart lock in a package that can be installed on almost any door. This knob from Honeywell, which sells for around $85, is a simpler design with keypad entry that may suit some interior door models. Or, if you don't mind the cost, the best is the Schlage Wi-Fi lever, which sells for around $275.
But there's a reason we warned you to check your lease first: The owner may have special rules about changing locks, so be sure to find out the details before installing one of these. And keep the old hardware on hand in case you want to take your smart lock with you when you move out.
Store your valuables in a smart safe
Bedroom safes don't need to be large to serve their purpose.
Aegis/Amazon
When you think of a home safe, you think of a bulky, heavy hunk of metal that's not great for tight spaces. But not all safes are made that way. Consider this compact Aegis safe ($100), which has 1.2 cubic feet of space. It's roomy enough for jewelry, cash, personal documents, checkbooks, and ID, and small enough to easily carry around no matter what room you live in. It has a keyless knob and a USB-C connection to a nearby laptop or charger to charge the battery. It also comes in a fingerprint lock version, though it's a bit more expensive.
Or, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can pick up this little Yuanshikj keypad safe for around $30, which is the cheapest price yet for such a mini home safe.
Install security cameras in your personal space
Small security cameras can keep watching even when you're not around.
Amazon
While security cameras won't stop a roommate from coming into your room and stealing, they can help you track down the culprit if something goes missing (and maybe even help you find something you lost yourself). Letting everyone in your house know that you have security cameras can be a powerful deterrent.
The Blink Mini camera is affordable at $20 to $30 and small enough to fit on a crowded shelf. It also has important features like motion detection and night vision (the second-gen model is even better, but more expensive). However, it requires a subscription to store cloud video, which isn't affordable for everyone. The Lorex HD indoor camera is much larger, but very affordable (around $50), comes with a microSD card for local storage that automatically saves video, and doesn't require a subscription.
Of note, both of these cameras feature voice assistant compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant and app control, so you can easily shut them down with a word or a tap when you want some privacy.
Get cheap smart sensors for your doors and closets
A simple motion sensor can easily be installed in a closet or bedroom.
Kotansu/Amazon
If you're tight on cash, you might not want to spend too much on security equipment, but you still have options. For $12, you can buy a pair of doorstop alarms that will sound a siren if someone opens a door they shouldn't. For around $20, you can buy a motion sensor that will sound an alarm chime if someone enters a room. These aren't the most sophisticated room protection options, but they can help you keep an eye on what's important.
Choosing a lock for your bike or sports equipment
Wraparound bike locks are versatile enough to protect all kinds of equipment at home or on the go.
eLinkSmart/Amazon
Living with roommates means storing some of your more important (and expensive) possessions in the garage, living room, or other common areas. This often includes bikes and sports equipment like skateboards, skis, snowboards, and tennis rackets.
If you're worried about those items being stolen, a different kind of smart lock might help. This cable lock from eLinkSmart is under $40, can be unlocked with a fingerprint, and is long enough to wrap around a variety of devices. Placed cleverly, it can make all kinds of larger belongings harder to steal. Or, you could spend a little more on something like this durable folding bike lock with fingerprint and Bluetooth unlock options.
Does renters insurance cover theft by roommates?
Renters insurance, which usually costs $10 to $15 a month, can help protect your belongings from unexpected events like fires and floods. This insurance often covers damages from theft and break-ins and provides reimbursement equal to or close to the replacement cost of your belongings.
However, renters insurance can't replace what's been lost, and there are many conditions and circumstances under which it won't cover you — not to mention paying a deductible. If your home has a repeat thief, renters insurance won't stop them from doing it again. While renters insurance is important for long-term renters, adding home security technology to prevent theft in the first place may ultimately be a better defense.
For more home security options, check out our picks for security systems for rental properties and the best affordable home security cameras for 2024. You can also check out our guide to legally recording audio and video at home.