Home security upgrades represent a meaningful investment. What many Toronto homeowners do not realise is that some of that cost may be offset through Ontario tax credits and federal programs, and some insurers offer premium discounts.
This guide covers what is actually available to Ontario homeowners in 2026, who qualifies for each program, what types of security upgrades are covered, and how to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.
Note: tax rules change and the information here reflects available programs as of 2026. Always confirm current eligibility and claim requirements with a qualified tax professional or the relevant government program before filing.
The Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit
The Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit is one of the most relevant programs for homeowners making security upgrades. It provides a refundable tax credit worth 25% of eligible home renovation expenses, up to a maximum credit of $2,500 on $10,000 in qualifying expenses.
The credit is available to Ontario seniors (65 or older) and to people who share a home with a senior family member. It is refundable, which means you receive the credit even if you have no Ontario taxes owing.
What Qualifies
Eligible expenses include renovations and improvements that make a home safer or more accessible for a senior resident. Security upgrades that improve home safety, including installation of additional locks, security systems, and modifications to doors and windows, may qualify depending on how they are documented and categorised. The program is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Finance.
How to Claim It
The credit is claimed on your Ontario personal income tax return. Keep all receipts and documentation for qualifying expenses, including installation invoices. Work with a qualified tax professional to ensure expenses are categorised correctly and all eligible amounts are claimed.
Federal Programs: Canada Greener Homes
The Canada Greener Homes Grant and associated loan program supports energy efficiency upgrades to residential properties. While the program is primarily oriented toward insulation, windows, doors, and heating systems, there is potential overlap with security upgrades that also deliver energy efficiency benefits.
Strikeglass from 416 Security Solutions is one example of an upgrade that delivers both security and energy efficiency benefits. Its improved insulation properties reduce heat loss through windows and glass doors, which is a qualifying consideration under energy efficiency programs. Whether a specific Strikeglass installation qualifies for any federal program depends on the specific program requirements, which change over time.
Current information on the Canada Greener Homes program is available at canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada. An energy audit may be required to access some program components.
Ontario Home Renovation Programs
Ontario has offered various home renovation programs over the years, sometimes jointly with utility providers. Enbridge Gas and other utility companies in Ontario have offered Home Efficiency Rebate programs that cover certain window and door upgrades. These programs change frequently based on available funding, and checking current offerings at enbridgegas.com before beginning any project is worthwhile.
The City of Toronto also periodically offers rebate programs for energy and safety improvements. Checking toronto.ca for current programs relevant to your property type is advisable before any significant home upgrade project.
Insurance Premium Discounts
Many Ontario home insurance providers offer premium discounts for some security measures. What qualifies depends on your insurer and your policy.
What Insurers Typically Recognise
Monitored alarm systems are the most widely recognised security measure for insurance discount purposes. Many Ontario insurers offer a discount for homes with ULC-certified monitored alarm systems.
For security glazing, some insurers offer a discount; we provide the spec sheet and installation certificate. Whether a discount applies depends on your insurer and policy.
The approach is simple: contact your insurance provider after completing any security upgrade and ask specifically what discounts apply to your policy for the measures you have installed. Keep all installation documentation, including the spec sheet and installation certificate, to support your request. More detail on how security upgrades affect insurance is available here.
Home Office and Small Business Deductions
If you operate a business from your home, a portion of home security upgrade costs may be deductible as a business expense under Canada Revenue Agency rules. The deductible portion is typically calculated based on the percentage of your home used exclusively for business purposes.
For business owners who have installed Strikeglass or other security measures at a home office, this deduction is worth discussing with a qualified accountant. CRA guidelines on home office expenses are available at canada.ca/en/revenue-agency. This is a general overview and not tax advice. Consult a professional for your specific situation.
Commercial Property Security Deductions
For business owners installing security measures at commercial premises, the cost of security upgrades is generally deductible as a business operating expense or capital expenditure, depending on the nature of the installation and its expected useful life. Strikeglass installations on commercial storefronts, for example, may qualify as a capital improvement that can be depreciated over time.
Consult a qualified accountant to determine how commercial security upgrades should be classified and claimed for your specific business and property type.
How to Maximise Your Security Investment
Combining available programs and discounts can meaningfully reduce the net cost of a complete home security setup:
- Check Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit eligibility if you or a family member is 65 or older
- Research current federal and provincial energy efficiency programs before installing any window upgrades with insulation benefits
- Check utility provider rebate programs at Enbridge and other providers for any applicable window or door upgrade incentives
- Ask your insurer after installation whether any of your new security measures qualify for a discount
- Keep all installation documentation and receipts for tax and insurance purposes
- If you work from home, discuss home office expense deductions with your accountant
A comprehensive overview of security investment costs and what each measure delivers is available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home security system tax deductible in Ontario?
For most homeowners, a home security system is not directly tax deductible unless you qualify for the Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit or can claim a portion as a home office expense. Some insurers also offer a discount for security upgrades, so ask what your policy recognises. Always consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Does Strikeglass qualify for any government rebate programs?
Strikeglass delivers energy efficiency benefits through improved window insulation that may be relevant to energy efficiency rebate programs. Whether a specific installation qualifies depends on the program requirements at the time of installation. 416 Security Solutions can provide the product documentation needed to support any rebate or insurance claim.
Can security upgrades lower my home insurance?
Insurance discounts vary by provider and policy. Many Ontario insurers offer a discount for monitored alarm systems, and some insurers offer a discount for security glazing; we provide the spec sheet and installation certificate. Contact your specific insurer and ask what discounts apply to your policy for the measures you have or plan to install.
Do I need receipts to claim the Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit?
Yes. You should retain all receipts, contracts, and installation documentation for any expenses you plan to claim. The Canada Revenue Agency and Ontario Ministry of Finance may request supporting documentation. Keep records for a minimum of six years after the tax year in which you claim the credit.
Can a landlord claim security upgrade costs?
Landlords may be able to deduct the cost of security upgrades to rental properties as a repair and maintenance expense or a capital cost allowance claim, depending on the nature of the upgrade. Consult a qualified accountant familiar with rental property taxation in Ontario for advice specific to your situation.
The Bottom Line
Depending on your situation, tax credits, rebate programs and insurance discounts may reduce the net cost of a home security upgrade. The Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit is the most accessible direct credit for qualifying homeowners. Insurance discounts depend on your insurer and policy, so ask before and after you upgrade.
The starting point for any security investment is understanding what your property actually needs. A free assessment from 416 Security Solutions covers your specific vulnerabilities and the measures that address them most effectively.