Convince me to keep ADT Security on my STR

[AJ Satcher]

Hi all,

Before converting my home into a STR, it was my primary residence for 1 year. I installed an ADT home security system at the time and have since been paying a monthly subscription for their services for the past 4 years in total. I do not use nearly as much of the security features since I don't live there anymore.

My contract is up soon and I cannot think of one good reason to continue with them with the way I am now using my property. I've already given ADT thousands to this point in equipment and service fees and that would just continue if I renew. I have an alternative solution to setup a Reolink camera system  - 4 cameras, 2TB storage, 24/7 recording - $400, that's it, no strings attached. From a numbers standpoint, this is a no-brainer. 

Is there anyone out there who would stand by keeping ADT on my STR? If not, I think the Reolink option is an awesome choice! I just think the ADT security system is overkill at this point, especially since I am never arming the system because of frequent reservations.

[Samuel Awosolu]

Quote from @AJ Satcher:

Quote from @Samuel Awosolu:

Hey AJ,

I've seen a lot of STR owners move away from traditional alarm systems once the property is no longer their primary residence, and honestly, it usually comes down to the type of neighborhood and the level of risk you're trying to mitigate.

Similar to what you are doing. Most hosts rely on Ring or similar surveillance setups with the exterior cameras, doorbell cams, and motion alerts that go straight to your phone. For a moderately safe area, that’s typically more than enough. You get real‑time notifications, you can monitor guest activity, and you avoid the monthly subscription fees.

I think an alarm system can still make sense in higher‑crime areas or if you keep valuables inside the home. ADT gives you automatic police dispatch if an alarm is triggered and no one disarms it, and the same goes for fire response if a smoke alarm goes off. That’s really the main value at this point.

If your STR is in a reasonably safe neighborhood and you're not storing anything high‑value inside, your Reolink setup sounds like a solid, cost‑effective move. Most hosts don't arm their systems between reservations anyway, so paying a monthly fee for something you're not using doesn't seem like it will be beneficial for you cost wise.

I appreciate your response! This neighborhood definitely isn't the best but also not the worst. All things considered, my street is relatively quiet. C class neighborhood at best.

I probably don't have anything in the home worth more than $300. Like you mentioned with other hosts, I'm not arming the system between reservations at all so to me this is the biggest value lost.

I use to live in Atlanta for 17 yrs. I first lived in Lithonia, then I moved to Smyrna. Bought my primary residence in Douglasville off Lee Road. City was Lithia Springs. Then I bought investment property in Decatur and East Point. Sold all of them around 2014 and moved to Florida. I wish held them. They were great properties. Which area do you have your STR in ?