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  4. How to Choose Security Cameras and Security Equipment for Rentals — Compatible Devices, Effective Placement, and Precautions
Safety & Disaster Prevention

How to Choose Security Cameras and Security Equipment for Rentals — Compatible Devices, Effective Placement, and Precautions

2026-04-18

A complete guide to choosing security cameras and security equipment for rental apartments. Covers when management approval is needed and when it's not, plus comparisons of smart locks, motion sensors, and door cameras—from selection to installation.

How to Choose Security Cameras and Security Equipment for Rentals — Compatible Devices, Effective Placement, and Precautions
#Security Camera#Smart Lock#Security#Solo Living#Crime Prevention
森

Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)

Table of contents

  1. 01You Can Strengthen Security Measures Even in a Rental
  2. 02Things to Confirm Before Installing Security Equipment in a Rental
  3. 03Items Requiring Approval from Management Company or Landlord
  4. 04Items Not Requiring Management Approval (generally free to install)
  5. 05Types of Security Equipment and How to Choose
  6. 061. Door Cameras and Smart Video Doorbells
  7. 072. Indoor Security Cameras
  8. 083. Smart Locks
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Back to columns
09
4. Motion-Sensor Lights
  • 105. Supplementary Locks (Door Reinforcements and Window Locks)
  • 11Security Measures for Women Living Alone
  • 12Security Enhancement Plans by Budget
  • 13Conclusion
  • You Can Strengthen Security Measures Even in a Rental

    Many people think, "Since it's a rental, I can't install a security camera," but in reality, there are numerous security devices that require no construction work and can be removed without leaving a trace. If you choose the right equipment, some devices can be installed without getting permission from the management company.

    Things to Confirm Before Installing Security Equipment in a Rental

    Items Requiring Approval from Management Company or Landlord

    • •Installation on exterior walls or common hallways (items requiring drilling or screwing)
    • •Items that alter the building's appearance (large camera housings, etc.)
    • •Items requiring electrical work

    Items Not Requiring Management Approval (generally free to install)

    • •Items installed indoors (indoor security cameras, sensors, etc.)
    • •Items installed on the inside of the entrance door
    • •Temporary installation using double-sided tape or tension poles (items that don't require drilling holes in walls)

    However, if the lease states "modifications and additions prohibited," confirmation is necessary. When in doubt, it's safest to contact the management company.

    Types of Security Equipment and How to Choose

    1. Door Cameras and Smart Video Doorbells

    Small cameras installed on the entrance door that let you visually verify visitors.

    Features

    • •Real-time alerts for suspicious persons via motion detection
    • •Viewable from anywhere via smartphone
    • •Increasing number of models with cloud recording features

    Key Points for Rentals

    • •Choose models attachable with double-sided tape (no screws needed)
    • •Battery-powered models require no electrical work

    Recommended Products

    • •Ring Video Doorbell (battery-powered, double-sided tape installation available)
    • •NETATMO Smart Video Doorbell (works with wired and wireless setups)

    Price range: ¥8,000–¥30,000

    2. Indoor Security Cameras

    Small cameras that record and monitor interior spaces.

    Recommended Installation Locations

    • •A position where the entrance door is visible (to record the face of any intruder)
    • •A high position in the living room (for wide-angle coverage)
    • •Around valuables or a safe (priority protection area)

    Important Notes

    • •Since private footage inside your home is being recorded, consent from all residents is required
    • •Most cloud recording services charge a monthly fee

    Price range: ¥3,000–¥15,000

    3. Smart Locks

    Retrofit smart locks that install over an existing key without replacing the lock mechanism.

    Benefits

    • •Reduces the risk of lost or duplicated keys
    • •Lock status can be checked and controlled remotely via smartphone
    • •Allows you to grant temporary access to family and friends
    • •Devices that fit over the keyhole can be removed when restoring the apartment to its original condition

    Key Points for Rentals

    • •Devices that fit over the keyhole (such as SESAME and Qrio Lock) can be installed while keeping the original key intact
    • •It's reassuring to get permission from the landlord or management company (even though it's not a lock change, it's best to ask)

    Recommended Products

    • •SESAME 5 (retrofit with smartphone control)
    • •Qrio Lock (iOS/Android compatible, family sharing feature)

    Price range: ¥8,000–¥25,000

    4. Motion-Sensor Lights

    Lights that activate when motion is detected. Most effective when installed on the entrance or balcony.

    Installation Methods for Rentals

    • •Installation indoors (entrance vestibule): No approval needed
    • •Clip installation on balcony: Usually no approval needed
    • •Screw installation on exterior walls: Management approval required

    Price range: ¥1,500–¥5,000

    5. Supplementary Locks (Door Reinforcements and Window Locks)

    Additional locks that reinforce existing door and window locks.

    Types

    • •Door reinforcement bar (inserted into the door)
    • •Window crescent locks (attached to window glass with double-sided tape)
    • •Sliding door stopper

    Use in Rentals

    • •Most products don't require drilling and usually don't need management approval
    • •Inexpensive (¥500–¥3,000) and can be installed immediately

    Security Measures for Women Living Alone

    Women living alone should prioritize the following measures:

    1. Don't indicate the presence of a woman at the door (use only surname on nameplate, dry laundry indoors)
    2. Delivery verification: Check via intercom camera before unlocking
    3. Use a chain when opening the door: Use an inward-opening supplementary lock
    4. Security company stickers: Effective as a deterrent even without an actual contract

    Security Enhancement Plans by Budget

    BudgetRecommended Setup
    Up to ¥5,000Supplementary lock + window lock + motion sensor light
    Up to ¥20,000Smart lock + indoor camera
    Up to ¥50,000Smart lock + door camera + indoor camera + motion sensor light

    Conclusion

    With some ingenuity, you can achieve adequate security measures even in a rental apartment. A combination of smart locks, door cameras, and indoor cameras forms the basic security setup for modern rentals. Before installation, review your rental agreement, and always consult with the management company beforehand about any devices requiring approval. To minimize upfront costs, starting with supplementary locks and motion sensor lights offers the best value for money.

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