How to Cancel Home Security Contracts

In a perfect world, we’d be able to pick a security system and stick with it for the rest of our lives. But that’s not how the real world works. In our line of work, we often come across security systems that are disappointing. And sometimes, it’s not that the system is bad; it’s just not the perfect fit for you.

When you’re shopping for a security system, it’s vital to know how to cancel your contract, just in case. Fortunately, the best home security brands know that they’re not the best option for every homeowner, so they give users a way out. Here’s everything you need to know about canceling your monitoring contract with the most popular alarm companies.

How to Cancel Home Security Contracts

Timing is everything when it comes to cancellation. The first thing you should know is that if you signed a monitoring contract, there’s a cancellation window. During this time, you have the right to cancel the contract without having to pay early termination fees.

For example, when we reviewed Frontpoint, the contract gave us 30 days to cancel for a full refund. They even offered to bear the shipping cost for equipment returns. After those 30 days, however, the sale became final. Should we decide to cancel, we’d have to pay the early termination fee.

In most cases, contacting the company’s customer support is the best way to know how to cancel your security contract.

By Company

We’ve tested dozens of security systems first-hand, and no, we don’t always keep them after our tests. That means we cancel a lot of security contracts.

Below, we compiled a list of how to get in touch with customer support of the most popular security systems we’ve tested. We always recommend getting in touch via phone, but we also included their email addresses and links to their online customer support request forms.

Tips for Getting out of Home Security Contracts

Sometimes, a simple call or email isn’t enough to cancel service. You may have to take matters into your own hands. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Read the fine print: Obviously, it’s important to read the fine print of any contract, ideally before you sign it. However, if you want to cancel, your contract is the first place you should look to find out about cancellation policies and early termination fees, as well as:
   • Who owns the equipment
   • Terms of agreement
   • Service charges
   • Warranties
   • Trial periods
   • Length of contract.
2. Send a formal cancellation letter: A cancellation letter is a formal written notice that informs the security company that you’re terminating your service agreement. Many contract templates are available for free online to help you draft a professional letter if you need to take this approach.
3. Transfer contract: In some cases, you may be able to get out of the contract only if you find a replacement for yourself. If you are moving and no longer need your system, for example, you could transfer the contract to the new homeowners.
4. Take legal action: If you believe that the home security company has breached your contract, which is legally enforceable, you may have to take legal action.

What to Do if You’re Stuck in a Home Security Contract

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still can’t get out of your contract, you can either do nothing or wait it out, or try the following methods to get the most out of your system:

1. Upgrade the system: If your security system is insufficient, maybe new equipment or a new monitoring plan would optimize your home’s security.
2. Change the plan to monthly: Some companies allow for month-to-month contracts, meaning you’re only obligated to pay for the next 30 days. While some companies allow for monthly contracts, others require long-term agreements before allowing users to switch to monthly billing.
3. Consider solar or battery power: If a hardwired security system is consuming too much electricity, consider switching to a solar-powered or battery-powered wireless security system.
4. Move: Many security systems allow you to move the system without incurring any additional fees. If moving is your concern, read your contract to learn about the provider’s moving policy.

What Is a Home Security Contract?

A home security contract is a written, legal agreement between two or more parties regarding the purchase of a home security system and/or service – emphasis on “service.” A lot of the security contracts we encounter are for professional monitoring service.

For example, when we tested ADT, we had to sign a three-year contract. It stipulated that we must pay for professional monitoring for at least three years. It also says that if we try to cancel, we must pay an early termination fee.

We’ve also seen security companies that offer month-to-month service. While they advertise themselves as “no-contract” security systems, you’re still agreeing to a contract everytime you renew your monitoring agreement. It’s just that you’re entering an agreement on a month-to-month basis, not every three years.

A contract is considered valid so long as they include:

• The legal names of parties
• Dates of purchase
• Contract length
• Pricing
• What happens if a party defaults

What to Look For in a Home Security Contract

Instead of signing a contract blindly and hoping you’ll be able to cancel it easily later, it’s crucial to read the fine print before committing. Specifically, here are some things to look out for:

• Early termination fees
• Length of contract
• What happens if a party defaults
• Pricing, including equipment fees
• Who owns the equipment, including conduit and wiring
• What happens if you move
• Auto-renewal terms

It’s much more straightforward to read a contract before you sign it rather than trying to cancel it after the fact, so if it’s not too late, put your reading glasses on and get your highlighter out, cause it’s the reading hour.

Cancellation Policies and Termination Fees

The Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule says that customers have three business days to cancel sales over $25 if the sale was made:

• At the customer’s home, workplace, or dorm
• At a seller’s temporary location, like a restaurant

This federal law applies only to sales made in person, not to online purchases or phone sales. After the three-day cooling-off period expires, you’ll typically be subject to any termination fees outlined in your contract.

Alternative Systems Without Contracts

If you want to avoid contracts completely, no worries; there are many great home security systems with no monthly fees. SimpliSafe, for example, allows users to use their equipment locally, while use of the app requires a contract. Ring Alarm and abode, on the other hand, both allow for app use even without a contract. Do your research to find a reliable system that doesn’t require a commitment of any kind. To learn more, read our pages on Ring Alarm costs and abode costs.

They are also your best bet if you want professional monitoring but believe you’d have to cancel down the line. That’s because they offer monthly contracts. Unlike security systems that require year-long contracts, monthly contracts don’t require early termination fees. Just cancel the auto-renewal and it won’t renew for the next month. You won’t get a prorated refund on days you don’t use the service, but at least you won’t pay an early termination fee, either.

Recap

One of the most common complaints from frustrated home security customers is discovering they’ve unknowingly signed up for a long-term contract. That’s why it’s essential to review your entire contract thoroughly before signing. At the very least, you’ll be aware of their cancellation policy, which will come in handy if you’re unsatisfied with your home security system.