Why not ADT? (renting, credit report, home)

[TriangleBlackCat]

Both of my immediate neighbors (left and right) have been burglarized in the last 2 months, and I'm starting to get nervous. I searched the board for security company recs and found a ton of info... and a few negative comments about ADT without explanation. Since we are renting our home for only a short time period, we will most likely use ADT. If you had a bad experience with them, can you explain? Thanks!

[nickandy]

ADT will ask you for a 3 year contract and NOTHING less. If you cancel there will be a stiff penalty. Are you ready for that?

[bluedevilz]

Originally Posted by TriangleBlackCat

Both of my immediate neighbors (left and right) have been burglarized in the last 2 months, and I'm starting to get nervous. I searched the board for security company recs and found a ton of info... and a few negative comments about ADT without explanation. Since we are renting our home for only a short time period, we will most likely use ADT. If you had a bad experience with them, can you explain? Thanks!

Shop around.....

ADT has the "name recognition" but little else. There are smaller, local firms that will offer more than ADT at significantly less cost. We interviewed a number of security firms, what the others offered and the fact that many have local ties and call centers for significantly less money both up front and montly.....we never even considered ADT

[saturnfan]

The commitment is the issue.

You must sign a long term monitoring contract.

Unless you get a shorter commitment IN WRITING do not believe any salesperson's promise that you can cancel if you move.

[nickandy]

I agree with the in writing part. The salesguys will tell you anything you want to hear. To be fair, when you move with ADT and get a new contract at the new place where you moving then they will release you from the old contract. But you will have a new 3 yr contract. Get the cheaper version (I think $24.99 and not the $32.99 or something like that).
Another thing, you mentioned that you were renting. Does your home owner know about and agree with this?. ADT or most major companies would require you to have a written ok from the home owner if you are not the owner. On the other hand, you can ask the owner to install it and tell him you will pick up the tab as long as you live. Would make it lost easier on you.
Finally, they will normally pull a credit report on you. If you are planing to apply for anything else soon (like mortgage) know that there will a ding on you. (Every credit check and approval drops your FICO by little)