Apartment Security System

[Bruce Scannell]

Hi everyone,

We own a couple small apartment properties that don’t currently have onsite management and with that don’t have the need for us to have telephone and internet service. Due to some recent theft at one of the buildings, I want to install some cloud based video cameras, while keeping the monthly expenses as low as possible. Does anyone have experience with a low cost option that would work? I’m ok spending a bit on hardware upfront, but want to avoid a large monthly fee.

Thanks!

Bruce

[Micki Lofton]

Did you get any feedback? I'm interested in what you decided.

[Kyle Rosseau]

Did either of you purchase a security system you would recommend?

[Timothy Chi]

I was just researching this as well. I was on Consumer Reports seeing reviews of different systems. Arlo seems to have good reviews and doesn't require a monthly subscription, though it certainly offers one.  I believe you can keep the data for up to 7 days as well. Personally don't have it but am strongly considering it.

[Joe Splitrock]

Originally posted by @Kyle Rosseau:

Did either of you purchase a security system you would recommend?

 Some security systems will operate over cellular but there is a monthly fee. That total cost can end up higher than just getting cheap internet. Generally speaking, camera systems need internet service. My advice is offer to give one of your tenants a rent discount if you can connect your security cameras to their internet. Maybe they pay $50 a month and you give them $25 for example. Either that or pay for internet and give it to a tenant for free at a higher rent free. Either way, there is no need for dedicated internet connection for security or cameras, so it is a waste of bandwidth. 

[Justin Goodin]

Originally posted by @Bruce Scannell:

Hi everyone,

We own a couple small apartment properties that don’t currently have onsite management and with that don’t have the need for us to have telephone and internet service. Due to some recent theft at one of the buildings, I want to install some cloud based video cameras, while keeping the monthly expenses as low as possible. Does anyone have experience with a low cost option that would work? I’m ok spending a bit on hardware upfront, but want to avoid a large monthly fee.

Thanks!

Bruce

 I've heard good things about Nest and Simply Safe.

[Mike McCarthy]

You can get a cellular router, basically a router that will connect to an AT&T or Verizon cell phone plan. You can probably add it to your existing cell phone plan for $40/mo or so. The routers are in the $250-$350 range.

But they are capped, so you have to be careful with what camera system you buy. You’ll probably want one that has an on-premise NVR (box that all the cameras record to), so you’re really only using the bandwidth for when you need to log in and view something.

I agree with the others about ‘borrowing’ an tenant’s connection.