How to Cancel Brinks Home Security in 2026 (Escape the Contract + ETF Guide)
Updated 2026-02-26 · 7 min read
💰 The Long-Term Contract Trap
Brinks Home Security (formerly Monitronics/MONI) typically locks you into 36-60 month contracts at $29-$49/month. Early termination fees equal 75-100% of remaining monthly payments. With 24 months left at $39/month, that's a $702-$936 cancellation fee. The security industry relies on these contracts — they subsidize equipment costs upfront and make it painful to leave.
Step 1: Find Your Contract
Check your email or files for the original Brinks/Monitronics agreement
Call 1-800-447-9239 and ask for your contract end date and ETF amount
Note: your contract may have auto-renewed for another 12-24 months if you didn't cancel before the renewal window
Key details to find: Contract start date, total term length, monthly rate, and early termination fee formula
Step 2: Cancel Your Contract
Call 1-800-447-9239 and request cancellation
Send written cancellation to: Brinks Home Security, 1990 Wittington Place, Dallas, TX 75234
Include: account number, name, address, and desired cancellation date
Send via certified mail with return receipt — this creates a legal paper trail
Most contracts require 30 days written notice
Request written confirmation of cancellation and final charges
How to Reduce or Avoid the ETF
Wait for contract end: If you're within 6 months of expiration, it's usually cheaper to pay out the remaining months
Moving: If you're relocating, some contracts allow cancellation with proof of move (new lease or mortgage). YMMV — check your specific contract
Military deployment: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows military members to cancel with PCS orders
Negotiate: Call and say you're considering cancellation due to cost. They may offer a reduced rate ($19-25/month) or waive a portion of the ETF
Transfer: Some contracts are transferable — if you're selling your home, the buyer can take over the contract
File a complaint: If they've failed to provide adequate service (false alarms not addressed, equipment failures), cite breach of contract
State consumer protection: Some states have specific laws about home security contract cancellation. Check your state attorney general's website
💡 The 3-Day Right of Rescission
Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, if you signed the contract at your home (door-to-door sales), you have 3 business days to cancel without penalty. If Brinks signed you up at your doorstep or during a home visit and you're within 3 days, cancel immediately in writing.
DIY Security Alternatives (No Contracts)
Ring Alarm ($10/month or $100/year): No contract, self-monitored or professionally monitored. Cancel anytime
SimpliSafe ($17.99-$27.99/month): No contract, month-to-month monitoring. Equipment owned outright
Wyze Home Monitoring ($5/month): Budget professional monitoring with no contract
Self-monitoring (Free): Ring, Wyze, Eufy cameras with free app notifications — no monthly fee
Eufy Security ($0/month): Local storage cameras with no subscription fees ever
Apple HomeKit + HomePod: If you're in the Apple ecosystem, HomeKit Secure Video stores footage on iCloud at no additional cost
💸 Long-Term Savings
Brinks at $39/month over 5 years = $2,340. SimpliSafe at $17.99/month (no contract) over 5 years = $1,079. Eufy self-monitored = $0/month after equipment purchase (~$300). Even paying a Brinks ETF of $500 to switch to a $0/month DIY system saves money within 13 months.
After Canceling
Equipment ownership: Check your contract — you may own the equipment (sensors, panel, cameras) or it may need to be returned
Yard signs: Brinks may ask for signs/stickers back. Some people keep them as a visual deterrent
Insurance discount: Notify your home insurance company — you may lose a monitored security discount (typically 5-15%)
Remove monitoring: Your alarm panel may still work as a local alarm (it just won't call the monitoring center)
Find All Your Recurring Bills
Security monitoring, subscriptions, memberships — see every recurring charge.