ADT Monthly Fee Explained: Costs, Contracts, and What You Actually Get
Exploring if ADT requires a monthly fee, how much it costs, and what you’re paying for. Learn about contracts, monitoring, and extras before you sign up.
ADT Contract: What’s Covered, How Much It Costs and How to End It
If you’re looking at ADT for home security, the first thing you’ll see is a contract. It can feel like a maze of fees, terms and fine print. The good news? Most of it is straightforward once you break it down. Below we’ll walk through the main parts of a typical ADT contract, what you’ll actually pay each month, and exactly how to get out of it if you need to.
Key Parts of an ADT Contract
ADT usually offers a 36‑month agreement, but some promos let you start with a 12‑month term. The contract will list three core costs:
- Equipment fee: This covers the alarm panel, sensors, cameras or any smart devices. Many plans let you rent the gear for about £15‑£25 a month, while buying upfront can save you cash in the long run.
- Monitoring fee: This is the charge for 24/7 central monitoring. In the UK it typically ranges from £30‑£45 per month, depending on the level of response (police, fire, ambulance) and any add‑ons like video storage.
- Installation fee: ADT often lifts the cost for professional installation if you sign up for the full contract length. If you go short‑term, expect a one‑off charge of £80‑£120.
Watch out for early termination fees. If you break the contract before the agreed period, ADT usually charges a set amount (often £150‑£250) plus any remaining equipment rentals. Some newer plans drop the fee after the first year, so ask your rep.
Other hidden costs can pop up:
- Upgrade fees for adding new sensors or cameras after you’re signed up.
- Service call fees if you need a technician for a non‑warranty repair.
- Optional video‑cloud storage that adds £5‑£10 a month.
How to Cancel or Switch Your ADT Service
Deciding to leave ADT isn’t as scary as it sounds. Here’s a quick, practical roadmap:
- Check your contract date. Find the exact end‑date or the earliest month you can cancel without a penalty.
- Call ADT customer service. Use the phone number on your bill, tell them you want to terminate, and ask for a written confirmation. Keep a note of the call‑date, agent name and reference number.
- Send a written notice. A short email or mailed letter stating “I am cancelling my ADT contract effective [date]” is often required. Include your account number and signature.
- Return equipment. Pack the alarm panel, sensors and any cameras in the original boxes, if possible, and ship them back using a trackable service. ADT will give you a prepaid label in most cases.
- Watch your final bill. You should receive a final statement showing any remaining balances or refunds. If you see an unexpected charge, call ADT within 30 days to dispute it.
Before you cancel, consider a few alternatives. Some users switch to a month‑to‑month plan with ADT that removes the long‑term commitment but keeps the monitoring. Others move to a DIY system where you only pay for equipment and a basic monitoring plan. Both options can cut costs by up to 40%.
Bottom line: Read the contract, note the key dates and keep a record of every interaction. With those steps, you’ll avoid surprise fees and can move on to a system that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Got more questions about ADT contracts or need help comparing providers? Our team at Birmingham Security Command Center is ready to chat. We’ll walk you through the numbers, explain the fine print and help you choose the best security set‑up for your home or business.
