Do I need my landlord's permission to install a security camera?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act in NZ, you generally need landlord permission for any fixtures or structural changes. However, a battery camera mounted with removable adhesive strips (like 3M Command strips) typically doesn't require permission since it's not a permanent change. Check your tenancy agreement and, if in doubt, ask. Most landlords are fine with non-permanent camera installations.

Can I take my cameras with me when I move?

Yes — that's one of the biggest advantages of battery and plug-in Wi-Fi cameras. They're designed to be portable. Ring and Arlo cameras typically use a simple mount that unscrews in seconds. The whole system packs into a box and goes to your next rental. PoE/wired systems are much harder to remove and are not renter-appropriate.

What if my rental doesn't have great Wi-Fi coverage near the doors?

This is common in rentals. Options: use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh node to improve coverage (these are portable and can go with you), or choose a camera with a strong antenna and range. Arlo cameras are known for good range. You can also check signal strength in the camera app before committing to a mounting position.

Will a battery camera work in a NZ winter?

Battery performance drops in cold weather — typically by 20–40% in sustained temperatures below 10°C. For most NZ cities this isn't a major problem, but South Island winters can be cold enough to affect battery life noticeably. Most battery cameras are rated down to -20°C for operation, but expect shorter battery life in cold conditions.

Best Security Camera for Renters NZ 2026 | Get Secure | Get Secure NZ

Renting in New Zealand is the reality for a growing number of people — and it creates a genuine security dilemma. You want to protect your home, but you can't drill holes, run cables, or install anything that the landlord will notice when you move out.

The good news: the market has shifted in renters' favour. Battery-powered and plug-in Wi-Fi cameras have improved dramatically, and several systems are genuinely designed with renters in mind.

What renters actually need

Before we get into specific cameras, let's be clear about the constraints:

No permanent holes (or minimal, easily patched) Most battery cameras come with a mounting bracket that attaches with adhesive strips (3M Command or similar) or a single small screw. The adhesive options leave virtually no trace.

Portable — goes with you when you move Battery cameras disconnect from their mount in seconds. Your whole system packs into a small box. This is a huge advantage over wired systems.

Easy setup without technical expertise Most renters don't have tools to run cables through walls. Cameras that require only a Wi-Fi password and a downloaded app are ideal.

Ideally low ongoing cost Renters already pay rent, bond, and often higher living costs. A monthly camera subscription on top is a legitimate expense.

Top picks for NZ renters

1. Arlo Essential (2nd Gen) — Best all-rounder

The Arlo Essential is purpose-built for renters. It's battery-powered, weather-resistant, and includes 30 days of free cloud storage with no subscription required.

What makes it renter-specific:

Adhesive and screw mount options included
100% wireless — battery only, no power cable needed
Included cloud storage means you don't need to pay anything initially
Takes 60–90 seconds to relocate when moving

The Arlo Essential's AI detection is basic on the free tier (person detection requires Arlo Secure), but motion alerts are reliable and the app is excellent.

2. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery — Best for Alexa users

Ring's Stick Up Cam is the most popular battery camera in NZ. It's slightly cheaper than Arlo Essential, and if you already have Amazon Echo devices, the integration is seamless.

The catch: without a Ring Protect plan (~NZ$5/month), the camera doesn't record anything. You can see live view, but no footage history. For a renter who wants an affordable starting point with optional recording, it works. For anyone who needs reliable footage of incidents, the subscription is essentially mandatory.

3. Ring Video Doorbell 4 — Best for front door monitoring

If your main concern is front door security, a video doorbell is often the best solution. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 runs on battery or wired power (if there's an existing doorbell wire — common in NZ houses but not apartments).

For renters, the battery version is easiest: it mounts with a few screws and can be removed when you move. Ring's Doorbell-specific mounting bracket makes this even simpler.

4. Eufy SoloCam S340 — Best for no-subscription renters

If you want local storage with zero subscription, the Eufy SoloCam S340 is a solar-powered standalone camera with built-in microSD storage — no hub required.

It's not perfect for renters in apartments (solar requires decent sun exposure), but for renters in houses with a sunny wall or fence, it's a compelling option: install it once, charge it with solar, and never pay a subscription.

✅ What we like

⚠️ Watch out for

Installation tips for renters

Use adhesive mounts where possible. 3M Command outdoor strips can hold most battery cameras securely without holes.
Test your Wi-Fi signal before mounting. Use your phone at the camera location to check signal strength before committing.
Choose north-facing walls in NZ for solar cameras — north-facing gets the most sun in the Southern Hemisphere.
Keep a copy of your installation photos. If your landlord questions any marks when you leave, photos proving you used adhesive (and removed it cleanly) are useful.

When a renter should consider professional advice

If you're in a property with specific security concerns — recent break-ins, isolated location, commercial risk — get expert advice. Some security needs genuinely require a more robust solution than a battery camera can provide, and it's worth a conversation about what's actually possible in your tenancy.

Get a free assessment from Get Secure →

Best Security Cameras for Renters in NZ (2026)