alarm monitoring for an apartment. (Austin, Ranger: apartments, leasing, month to)

[Tropical Trouble]

my apartment came with a built in alarm system. I would like to get it monitored. I called Smith Thompson but they don't service apartments. many of the other companies that are highly rated on Angie's List provide their own equipment, but I already have the equipment installed I just want it monitored. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good reliable company I could use.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Have you asked the leasing office what alarm company they use?

[Tropical Trouble]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

Have you asked the leasing office what alarm company they use?

Yes, some little company in Austin with a crappy website and zero info in Angie's list

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Sometimes the equipment is locked so only the company that installed it can use it, you might call an alarm monitoring company or two and see if they can use the equipment you already have.

[Penquin927]

I thought they could use whatever equipment. My system was installed by Ranger American or something like that and was originally monitored by ADT and then I changed to Cental Alarm or monitoring and then went back to ADT. Never did I have to change any equipment. Of course the company has to come in and make some changes on the keypad normally to reset it for their service but that is all I ever had done.

[nolanwright]

I agree with Penquin. Most alarm equipment is pretty much the same or can be used with any provider, particularly equipment that comes pre-installed in a house or apartment. I would think that most (if not all) of the companies you like on Angie's List would be willing to just set up monitoring with your existing equipment.

Just be careful with any contract they give you. Security monitoring companies are notorious for getting people to sign "evergreen" contracts. You commit for a fixed number of years and often assume you will go month to month after the contract is up, but actually you are automatically recommitted for another multiyear period if you don't cancel by the end of it.