AMERICAN HOME SECURITY

I have attempted to cancel our contract with Burtel/American Home Security but see above. As noted in my review, if you are going to sign a contract with Burtel/American Home Security, read the fine print, DO NOT agree to Point Seven-Automatic Renewal or Point Twelve-Exclusive Rights, make the contract for as short a period as possible and keep your hands on your wallet or purse..

I have spoken to Burtel - AHS multiple times by telephone and email, trying to cancel contract without incurring penalty fees.

AVOID. Predatory contractual practices.
In 2012, just after a recent home invasion, I contacted this company to install home monitoring services. The sales and installation team were great but the service and equipment since have both deteriorated. Having payed now for months for a home security system that does not work, I called for servicing to the system.
After requesting $200 just to have a technician look at the issues, I decided to end my business with them.

Importantly, they ask consumers to sign contracts that are clearly predatory. The agreement auto-renews every two years without notice unless the customer sends, in writing, via certified mail, within 30 days of the 2 year expiration of the contract, notice to end the relationship. Failing that, the customer is welcome to pay 80% of the remaining time left on the contract to exit.
The above is a clear and obvious predatory contractual tactic that is deployed frequently on customers who have just experienced a home invasion and are otherwise in duress. It is unreasonable to expect a customer to anticipate the end of their contract years away and ensure they take such extreme measures to exit the relationship.

unknown

No issues

I have dealt with them for 15 years and they upgraded the unit. I will continue to use them.

For the 6 years of service, the alarm basically worked. On the occassion that we had service issues, we had extreme difficulty getting a person to respond, despite paying for maintenance services as part of monthly charges. On the occasion of a home repair that affected the alarm system, American Home Security (aka American Monitoring Services, Burtel Security Protection Systems, etc) indicated we'd have to pay an undisclosed sum for restoration of services (replacement of disengaged components). When we determined it was time to terminate the relationship, AHS identified that contract terms were automatically renewed every three years for a period of three years and non-cancellable. The contract doesn't say that, but AHS insists. They insist on payments through July 2012, despite no "up front offer" or deal to justify such an obligation. Shady interpretation of inconspicuous contract terms. AHS did offer two-months credit and no cost reconnection of our system, but my objection is the three year snare. Watch your wallet!

GOOD RESPONSE TO REQUESTS ARE GIVEN IN A TIMELY MANNER. TECHNICIAN WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. OVERALL WE RECEIVE EXCELLENT SERVICE FROM AMERICAN MONITORING.

A SECURITY SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED SUCCESSFULLY. THE WORKERS WERE ON TIME. THE PRICE WAS CONSIDERATE.