Do I own my ADT alarm system?

Author: Prof. Hobart Dietrich  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

You own the security equipment, even after you end your contract. If you cancel a plan, your home security system will still work, and you will still receive Blue by ADT app alerts and notifications, though you won't have the benefit of professional monitoring.

Do you own ADT equipment after a contract?

Actually, one of the lines in the contracts plainly states ADT retains ownership of the equipment. If you cancel or move, even if the equipment is paid off, ADT still retains ownership of the equilment.

Does ADT transfer to a new owner?

ADT contracts are tied to individual locations, so they usually can't be transferred. Instead, you'll set up a new contract at the new place. However, you should confirm what can and can't be done with your specific contract by calling ADT. Every case is unique.

Do you get to keep ADT equipment?

You keep the equipment(ADT corporate likely holds the contract now) when it ends and wish to keep monitoring it goes month to month. Hope that helps!

Do I have to return my ADT equipment?

Contact our Support Center at (877) 464-7437 within seven (7) days of termination to begin the return process**. Any system or device received within the first 30 days of the original order date must be returned within 30 days of receiving the RMA label to avoid Non-Returned Equipment Fees*.

Can I still use my ADT alarm without monitoring?

What happens to ADT equipment when you move?

Relocate your self installed

Move your existing ADT security system to your new home. If you've moved into a home with an ADT system that's still working, we can reactivate it for you - just give us a call.

What do I do with my old ADT equipment?

Send you an email from ADT Security Services that provides you with a list of required equipment to be shipped back to ADT.
  1. All equipment, when possible, should be returned using the original box and packaging provided. ...
  2. To avoid any Non-Return Fees*, please review the email listing all return-required equipment.

Can I use my ADT equipment without service?

Does ADT equipment work if I cancel the service? You must have an active monitoring subscription with ADT to use the equipment that it provides. Otherwise, you miss out on most of the functionality.

How much does it cost to cancel an ADT?

What is the ADT cancellation policy? Security system customers pay up to 75% of the remaining monthly charges when canceling early. ADT security service has a 36-month contract (24 months in California). There's a six-month money-back service guarantee on ADT security systems.

Can I use my ADT equipment with another company?

It's important to understand that you can switch home security companies. In most cases, ADT equipment can be used by other alarm companies, including Security Alarm. Let us help you save money by utilizing as much of your existing equipment as possible!

Can I use ADT after cancellation?

Yes. Using the same home security supplies you previously purchased, you can re-establish system monitoring with Blue by ADT.

Does ADT charge to replace equipment?

LIMITED EQUIPMENT WARRANTY.

During the first 90 days following the order date, ADT will repair or, at its option, refund or replace any defective equipment purchased from ADT at no charge to me using new or refurbished parts of similar features and functionality.

Can I take MyADT equipment with me?

If you set up your ADT Base or Hub yourself, you may be able to pack up your existing devices and take them with you to your new home. However, if your system was professionally installed, you won't be able to bring it with you.

How do I transfer an ADT to a new owner?

Call ADT First.

If you haven't already, please call us at (800) 238-2727 to discuss all the options we have available for you and your new home.

Do you have to pay for ADT equipment?

Monitoring monthly is usually tied to a 36-month contract. With equipment and installation, however, you have the option of paying upfront or financing. This can be combined with your monthly monitoring for one easy payment. The installation fee on most packages is around $150.

How much does ADT cost a month?

ADT Pricing vs The Competition

It's all about getting the most value for your money. And in that case, ADT is a clear top choice. Not only does ADT provide good equipment, it also offers good monitoring. The $24.99 to $49.99 that you pay per month gives you access to ADT's monitoring network.

Do you keep equipment if you cancel ADT?

When you cancel your ADT contract, you don't give back the ADT alarm system to the company. In fact, you don't pay ADT for the ADT equipment when you first sign the contract. ADT only charges ADT customers the installation fees for the equipment at the customer's property when a new contract is signed.

Is there a class action lawsuit against ADT?

ADT Security Hit with Class-Action Lawsuits Over Employee's Video Snooping.

What happens if I just stop paying ADT?

If I fail to make any payment when due or to honor any other term or condition of this Contract, ADT may terminate this contract and/or stop providing the alarm monitoring and notification services and repossess or disable the equipment without notice.

How long is an ADT contract?

The standard ADT contract is 36 months, unless you live in California, where it's only 24 months. Once the initial contract period is up, you will automatically roll over into a month-to-month contract that you can end at any time without penalties provided you give the company at least 30 days' notice.

Does ADT work if wifi goes out?

ADT Self Setup and ADT Smart Home Security Systems power outage: The ADT Smart Home Hub and ADT Base include a backup battery that last 24 hours. Communications to the ADT Monitoring Centers may still be disrupted in the event of a power outage if your router and internet communications do not also have battery backup.

Can I use my alarm system without monitoring?

Will Home Alarm Work Without Monitoring? A home security system could potentially continue to work without monitoring, depending on the security company you have chosen. However, not all equipment functions without professional monitoring.

Does ADT own the equipment?

With ADT, you lease the equipment. The price of the equipment is rolled into your monthly monitoring payment. When we spoke with an agent from ADT, they said that once the contract is up, they will not take their equipment back—so you can either leave it in the home or throw it out.

Does ADT have senior discounts?

We think ADT is the best solution for seniors with its simple control panel and professional monitoring service. ADT even gives AARP members a discount up to 20-percent.

What can I do with an old wired alarm system?

Can I reuse old security system wiring? In a practical sense, a person can easily use the most modern security devices with their old coaxial wiring. Whereas the more aged the wiring is, the less capable it will be to produce quality, they are still usable when switching to the newest security DVR.

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