What happens when my ADT contract expires?

Author: Camron Ankunding  |  Last update: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Once your 24 or 36-month contract ends, ADT automatically signs you up for a monthly package. A month-to-month basis package allows you to cancel your contract any month with only a month's notice. You can choose to stick with ADT services until the end of the contract if you don't want to pay any cancellation charges.

How much is ADT after a contract expires?

Upon early termination of 36-month monitoring contract, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT's Extended Limited Warranty and is available for an additional fee starting at $8/mo. for essential product protection.

Do you own ADT equipment after a contract ends?

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 an ADT contract automatically renew?

The QSP will automatically renew for successive thirty (30)-day terms at ADT's then-current QSP rate unless terminated by either party's written notice at least thirty (30) days before the end of the then-current term.

Do you keep equipment if you cancel ADT?

No it stays on site. Their contract states that the equipment was never yours to begin with. It essentially says the equipment stays at location until new ownership comes.

What happens to ADT equipment when you cancel?

What happens when you cancel an ADT contract?

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.

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 to get out of an ADT contract without paying?

ADT 6 Months Money-Back Service Guarantee

This money-back guarantee can also allow you to make ADT cancellations without paying any penalty. However, you need to provide ADT with proof of their failure to provide you with adequate or satisfactory services.

What is the ADT class action lawsuit?

ADT failed to provide rudimentary safeguards to protect the privacy of its customers, allowing an employee to gain remote access to cameras inside and outside hundreds of customers' homes, according to the lawsuits filed May 18.

How much is ADT monthly?

Let's recap – ADT packages start at $269. The monthly fee for professional monitoring ranges from $24.99 to $49.99. The installation fee is optional, but starts at $100. There's also a three-year contract if you get your system installed by a technician.

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.

What to do with ADT equipment after cancellation on Reddit?

Your best bet is to contact a local alarm.com dealer and have them check the MAC addresses of your devices (specifically your cameras and panel) to see if they're available after your cancellation. The sensors most likely could be reused, even if you have to purchase another panel, those typically are not proprietary.

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!

Does ADT have a termination fee?

You'll pay the applicable early termination fees (up to 75% of remaining monthly charges), and ADT will send you a prepaid box with instructions on how to return your ADT equipment.

How to negotiate a lower bill with ADT?

Negotiate with ADT

Reach out to ADT at 1 (800) 521-1734 and let them know you are considering moving services or scaling back. You can ask to be transferred to the customer loyalty department or the customer retention department where a representative will work with you to try and keep you as a customer.

Does ADT upgrade equipment for free?

You will receive free upgrades and get additional discounts on equipment upgrades with a new three year monitoring agreement. Once you begin enjoying your upgraded ADT monitoring service, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

What company took over ADT?

In February 2016, Apollo Global Management acquired ADT for nearly $7 billion and merged it with another home security firm, Protection 1.

Can I get a refund from ADT?

ADT Money-Back Guarantee:

Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation.

What is the ADT cancellation lawsuit?

ADT Security Services has been hit with a class action lawsuit on behalf of current and former customers which alleges that they violated consumer protection laws. Allegedly, the company unlawfully imposed early termination fees and increased alarm monitoring fees without proper disclosure to consumers.

What happens if I don't pay 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.

Can I use ADT equipment after cancellation?

Typically, they'll simply leave the equipment on the house, and you (or a new owner, if you sell) can re-activate service at any time. If you have existing, previously-installed equipment at your house when you start your ADT contract, that equipment is, and will remain to be, your property.

Can I get out of my alarm contract?

Most of the monitoring companies specify in the contract that you are allowed to terminate home security contracts without penalty in the following conditions: The alarm companies fail to provide services that you are paying for. The alarm companies provide malfunctioning surveillance systems.

How to use ADT cameras without paying?

Now, after buying ADT Self Setup equipment, you can skip the monthly fee and use it without professional monitoring. However, you also won't be able to enjoy the system's full features that way, so we recommend paying for professional monitoring. With cameras, professional monitoring for ADT Self Setup costs $39.99.

Do you have to give back ADT equipment?

What is ADT's return policy for security systems and/or devices? Any Self Setup system or device with no term contract can be returned within the first 30 days of the original order date.

What is the ADT monthly monitoring fee?

ADT Home Security Cost. You can get a full ADT package for as low as $390, and monthly monitoring costs between $24.99 and $49.99. Rob Gabriele , Managing Editor & Home Security Expert Updated January 14, 2025. SecureScore™: 9.2 / 10.

Previous article
Can vinegar replace dishwasher detergent?
Next article
What if a carbon monoxide detector beeps and then stops?