How to Discontinue a Home Security Monitoring Agreement
Crime statistics for 2009 show that property crimes decreased in the United States by 4.9 percent, according to the FBI. Home security systems may be one of the reasons for a decrease in crime, as the Scottsdale, Arizona, Consumer Guide reports that criminals are less likely to invade homes with security systems and monitoring. Home security systems sold throughout the United States have installation and monitoring services as part of the agreement. These are contracts, and are not easy to discontinue.
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Instructions
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Read the contract terms. Most of these contracts are for an initial 36 months, signed with the installation of the hardware. Be sure you are within the initial 36 months, as the contract is usually month-to-month after the expiration of the original term. Look for early termination restrictions. Some of the contracts require payment to the completion of the initial term, and others may require a penalty payment after a 30-day notice. If you must pay for service to the completion of the term, it is best to use the service if you can, at either that location or another location.
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Look for provisions in the contract that relate to moving, if you are moving. Some contracts or monitoring companies provide free installation at a new location and a transfer of the monitoring service. This is the mover's security guarantee.
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Check for a satisfaction guarantee. One of the large home monitoring systems has a satisfaction guarantee, and if you are not satisfied with the service and you contact them within six months of installation, they will refund the installation and monitoring fees.
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Consider alternatives and be creative. Maybe you can transfer the service to your parents' home or to one of your adult children, or maybe the next resident will take over the contract, if you are moving. Do not hesitate to contact the Attorney General of your state for help with consumer protection. A home monitoring agreement obtained under duress or with false promises may be invalid.
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Negotiate with the security company for a reduced settlement and terminate the service. Alternatively, keep the service to the completion of the contract, and attempt to negotiate a reduced fee.
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Contact the security company and ask to speak with a manager, once you know the contract provisions and have decided how to approach the contract and discontinuing the monitoring service. Explain the circumstances and ask for help and suggestions. Strike an agreement and ask the name and address of the person with the security company so you can follow up with correspondence reflecting your agreement.
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Follow through by writing a letter to the manager you spoke with at the home security company. Give the contract number, your name, the address of the security monitoring and the substance of the agreement you reached so that you have it in writing. Submit payment for any agreed amount, and the 30-day notice if required.
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