6 Best Security Cameras for Rental Properties

The safety of your property and tenants should be a top priority. One effective way to deter crime and protect your property is by installing security cameras. A security camera allows you to monitor and record any activity around your property to deter criminal activity and provide evidence in case of a security breach. Investing in a good security camera is paramount: it will provide high-quality video, and features like motion detection, audio, and night vision.

The best rental property security cameras include:

• Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2): Best Rated Security Camera
• TP-Link Tapo C310: Best Budget Security Camera
• Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera: Most Durable Security Camera
• Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen): Best Space Efficient Security Camera
• Lorex Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Camera: Best Beginner-Friendly Security Camera
• Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best Unique Security Camera

How We Selected the Best Rental Property Security Cameras

When selecting the best rental property security cameras, we took into consideration a variety of factors to ensure that our recommendations were comprehensive and helpful. Our selection process included personal recommendations, online reviews, price, durability, features, and ease of use.

We evaluated rental property security cameras based on:

• Personal Recommendations: We reached out to landlords and property managers to get their insights on the best security cameras for properties based on their personal experiences.
• Online Reviews: This helped us to gather feedback from a broader range of customers and to get a sense of the most popular and highly-rated options available.
• Price: We aimed to include options at a variety of price points to accommodate different budgets.
• Durability: We wanted to recommend cameras that would be reliable and long-lasting in a rental property setting.
• Features: Features, such as motion detection, night vision, and wireless connectivity, were also taken into account.
• Ease of Use: Finally, we evaluated the ease of use of each camera, looking for options that would be simple to install and operate for landlords and tenants alike.

According to our criteria, the best security camera for rental property landlords is the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2) because it offers high-quality video footage, advanced features like person detection and smart deterrence, and durable construction that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

The best rental property security cameras are:

1. Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2): Best Rated Security Camera

Released in 2022, the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2) is our top pick due to its exceptional video quality, advanced features, and rugged construction. This camera delivers clear 1080p HD video, even in low light or harsh weather conditions, thanks to its powerful image sensor and HDR technology. 

It also includes advanced features like person detection, which can distinguish between people and animals, and smart deterrence, which uses audio and visual cues to warn off potential intruders. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro has a large field of vision that’s fully customizable, and works great with Vivint’s entire home security system, including its spotlight.

With an IP65 rating, the camera is ideal for outdoor use. The camera also boasts two-way audio, so you can communicate with whoever is on the other side. Get it on the Vivint website.

Unfortunately, the camera is quite expensive and requires a Vivint professional to install (which can add nearly $200 more to the base price). The camera also doesn’t integrate with either Alexa or Google Assistant, so it does lack some smart home functionality.

2. TP-Link Tapo C310: Best Budget Security Camera

For rental property landlords looking for a budget-friendly option, the TP-Link Tapo C310–released in 2022–is our top pick. Despite its affordable price point (on Amazon and on the TP-Link website), this camera offers impressive features, including 2K, 1080p HD video, night vision, and motion detection.

The C310 also includes two-way audio capabilities, allowing landlords to communicate with tenants or potential intruders through the camera's built-in speaker and microphone. Additionally, the camera's compact size and easy installation make it a great choice for properties with limited space or for those who prefer a more discreet security camera.

While the TP-Link Tapo C310 is an excellent budget option, it does come with a few drawbacks. The camera's motion detection can be overly sensitive, triggering false alarms and draining the camera's battery. Additionally, the Tapo does not offer advanced features like smart deterrence (though you can activate the alarm with one tap), which may be important to you and your tenants.

3. Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera: Most Durable Security Camera

Outdoor cameras need to be durable to be useful. The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera can endure extreme weather conditions with its IP65 weather-resistant rating and long battery life, which is why it’s our most durable pick. 

Launched in 2020 on Amazon and on their website, the Arlo Essential is a reliable, low-maintenance option that can operate for up to six months on a single charge (though the XL version can go up to a whole year).

This camera offers a range of features that can help landlords keep their rental properties secure and provide peace of mind. It has 1080p HD video and night vision capabilities, two-way audio, and a built-in spotlight that can illuminate dark corners.

However, to make full use of the camera, you’ll need to subscribe to a monthly Arlo Secure plan. While this gives you a host of additional features, like battery backups, 30-day video storage, smoke and CO alarm detection, and 24/7 emergency response, among others, it’s still an additional cost you need to factor in.

4. Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen): Best Space Efficient Security Camera

If you're looking for a small, inconspicuous security camera for your rental property, the Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen, 2022 edition) is an excellent choice. Measuring at just 71 x 71 x 31 mm, its compact design and easy installation process means this camera can be set up in minutes and provides reliable, high-quality footage. Despite its small size, the Blink Outdoor offers a range of features that make it a useful tool for landlords.

It has a very long battery life, which can last up to two years on a single set of AA lithium batteries. This is particularly useful for rental properties that are difficult to access or have limited power sources. Additionally, the Blink Outdoor includes 1080p HD video, infrared HD night vision capabilities, and motion detection alerts, and two-way audio. Get it on Amazon.

Because it’s an Amazon brand, expect it to work extremely well with Alexa, so you and your tenants can control it easily via voice control. However, it does require a screen Alexa device–like an Echo show–to control.

Aside from this added cost, you’ll also need to subscribe to the Blink subscription plan to be able to store videos on the cloud, though you can use a USB to store videos locally if you so wish. Another drawback actually has to do with its compact size: while it is one of its greatest strengths, the camera's small size means that it may not be as visible as larger security cameras, which could potentially make it less effective as a deterrent.

5. Lorex Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Camera: Best Beginner-Friendly Security Camera

For rental property landlords who are new to security cameras, the Lorex Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Camera is an excellent beginner-friendly option. This camera is easy to install, offers clear and high-quality footage, and includes a range of useful features that make it a valuable tool for monitoring your rental property. Its user-friendly design makes it a great choice for those who are new to security cameras. 

The camera, which was released in 2022, is available on Amazon. You can find more details about their line of products on the Lorex website.

Like most great cameras, the Lorex has a 4K camera, a wide field of view at 140°, and Color Night Vision and IR Night Vision. It has an IP65 rating, and can withstand temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C.

It has motion detection that recognizes between people, animals, and inanimate objects, plus a smart security lighting system that can trigger automatically with the LED color of your choosing. It runs on WiFi-6 to transfer larger, and higher-definition, video and audio at a faster rate. View everything on the easy-to-navigate Lorex Home app, which allows landlords to remotely view and manage their properties.

While the Lorex Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Camera is a great beginner-friendly option, it’s also extremely pricey compared to our other options. Still, this is a fantastic choice for landlords that need a simple app to navigate or who don’t want to pay any monthly fees for additional features.

6. Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best Unique Security Camera

Solar-powered security cameras have become increasingly popular in recent years as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional wired cameras. Released in 2021, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is our top pick for a unique camera because of its excellent solar power capabilities, making it a great option for rental properties in remote, off-grid locations or for low-maintenance landlords.

This wire-free camera can be charged with just a few hours of sunlight, ensuring continuous surveillance without the need for a power outlet. However, the base version (that doesn’t come with a solar panel) does need to be recharged every few months. Get the solar version on Amazon, or visit the Reolink website for more information.

Aside from its handy solar panel, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro has an impressive 2K video, built-in spotlights, and a dual-band WiFi for a stable connection. With two-way audio and smart motion detection, this camera will easily allow you to manage and protect your property.

Keep in mind that the field of vision in this camera is lacking at 122º. The camera’s batteries are also not removable, so if they suddenly don’t work, you’ll only have two years to replace the whole camera (under Reolink’s warranty service).

Key Takeaway

Security cameras are an essential tool for landlords to protect their tenants and assets. By investing in a high-quality security camera, landlords can deter potential intruders, monitor their property remotely, and provide their tenants with an added layer of security. Ultimately, a well-chosen security camera can provide peace of mind and help ensure the safety and security of everything, and everyone, in your rental property.