You can make a flat safer and more secure without major work or drilling — important if you rent. From plug-in indoor cameras and video doorbells to smoke, carbon monoxide and leak detectors, this hub covers practical, renter-friendly ways to protect your home and give yourself peace of mind.
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For a rented flat, prioritise safety essentials first — a working smoke alarm and, where there is any fuel-burning appliance, a carbon monoxide alarm — then add renter-friendly security like a plug-in indoor camera or a wireless video doorbell. Choose devices that need no drilling and can move with you.
Common problems this hub solves
Pick your priority:
- Know who is at the door Coming soon
- Keep an eye on your flat when away Coming soon
- Early warning for smoke, CO or leaks Coming soon
Buying guides
Practical, UK-focused buying guides to help you choose the right product for a small flat. We are expanding this hub — guides marked as coming soon are in progress.
- Best Indoor Security Cameras for Flats Coming soon
- Best Video Doorbells for Flats Coming soon
- Best Smart Locks for Flats Coming soon
- Best Leak Detectors Coming soon
- Best Carbon Monoxide Alarms Coming soon
- Best Smoke Alarms for Flats Coming soon
Explore related topics
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a video doorbell in a rented flat?
Often yes. Many video doorbells are wireless and battery-powered, and can be mounted with strong adhesive rather than screws, which suits renters. Check your tenancy agreement and any communal-entrance rules first, and be mindful of neighbours’ privacy when positioning the camera.
Does my flat legally need a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm?
In England, landlords must provide a working smoke alarm on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (rules differ across the UK nations). Regardless of who provides them, make sure alarms are present and tested — they are a low-cost safety essential.
Are smart locks suitable for renters?
Some are. Look for smart locks that fit over or replace existing mechanisms without permanent changes, and always check your tenancy agreement, as altering locks usually needs the landlord’s permission. Keyless entry can be convenient, but keep a physical backup.
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