Doorbells for Apartment: Best Picks, Installation Steps & Legality
Video Doorbell recommendations for a rented apartment?
What is the best video doorbell for an apartment with no doorbell to hook up to?
If you have the same questions as the above OPs, you’ll get 2 battery powered smart doorbell picks here for your apartment, no drilling and no wiring.
If you’ve already purchased a video doorbell for your apartment building, you can check the step-by-step guide to install your doorbell without damaging the walls.
We also provide the details on legality of installing an apartment doorbell system.
Quick Navigation:
#1. Video Doorbells for Apartment Building: Top 2 Picks
#2. How to Install Apartment Doorbell Without Drilling
#3. Legality on Installing Apartment Smart Doorbells
#1. Wireless Smart & Plug-in Doorbells for Your Apartment Building: Top 2 Picks
When wandering forums, many posters (see①②③ in Reference) are looking for the best doorbell for their apartments.
So here we will recommend 2 doorbells for your apartment/flat, be it a duplex, complex unit, condo, loft apartment, penthouse, etc.
Best Pick 1. Ring Video Doorbell 2 for Your Apartment
- 1080p Super HD
- Infrared Night Vision
- Smart Alerts
- 2-Way Audio
- Works with Alexa
This Ring smart doorbell camera is really ideal for renters. The rechargeable battery design and WiFi connection enable you to install this doorbell without any messy wiring.
The high-quality two-way audio enables you to talk to the delivery man to confirm your package has been delivered.
Ring Video Doorbell 2 Smart Features Overview
• Rechargeable Battery Powered
• 1080p Full HD and IR Night Vision
• Remote Live Streaming Wherever
• Real-Time Two-Way Audio
• Work with Alexa
You can also watch the below video to learn more about this wireless doorbell camera for your apartment door.
Best Pick 2. SadoTech Model C Wireless Doorbell for Your Flat Building
- Operating Range: 500 Feet
- 100% Wireless
- IP33 Weatherproof & Outdoor Use
- 52 Ringtones
If you want to buy a budget-saving doorbell for your apartment without drilling or wiring, this one would be the best option.
This apartment doorbell system comes with a transformer for visitors to press the button, and an indoor plug-in receiver for you to get audible notifications.
The only drawback is that you cannot get live streaming or store motion-triggered videos and other smart features.
SadoTech Model C Wireless Plug-in Doorbell Features Sneak Peak.
• 100% Wire-Free and Easy Instalaltion
• Up to 500ft Wireless Operation Distance
• 4 Adjustable Volumes for Your Choice
• Add-on Sensors Supported for Future Expansion
You can check the video below to get more features about this wireless doorbell for your apartment.
If you want to cover 2, 3 or multiple apartments, you can buy several wireless battery operated doorbells at the same time. You may enjoy best deals while purchasing more bundles simultaneously.
After you’ve purchased your apartment doorbell, the next step is installing it. Some OPs (see ④⑤⑥⑦ in Reference) on forums asking how to install doorbells without drilling.
if your landlord doesn’t allow you to drill holes for your wireless video doorbells, you can try the below step-by-step guide to install your doorbell without drilling holes.
#2. How to Install Your Wireless Doorbell for Your Apartment Without Drilling
Here we will take Ring Video Doorbell 2 as an example to show you the step-by-step guide to install your video doorbell without drilling.
You just need to use the 3M double sided tape to replace the screws if you want to install your doorbells without damaging the wall.
Step 1. Please fully charge your Ring Video Doorbell 2. Insert the battery to your doorbell.
Step 2. Download and launch Ring App to set up the video doorbell. Please follow the instructions on the screen to configure your doorbell.
Step 3. Pick an ideal position for your doorbell.
Step 4. Use the 3M double sided mounting tape to paste in your front door or wall. Remove the protection paper on the mounting tape.
Step 5. Attach your doorbell to mounting tape. Make sure you attach the doorbell to the tape slowly and make it balanced.
Now you are good to go!
If you worry about that some one would just rip your doorbell from the wall and steal it, please rest assured.
Ring or Nest will send you a free replacement if your apartment doorbell gets stolen.
You can also try the effective tips in this post to prevent your doorbell from being stolen.
#3. Is It Legal to Install Doorbells for Your Apartment
Can I legally have a Ring doorbell installed outside of my apartment door if I have other neighbors?
The answer is: It depends.
You can check the details below to lean the legality of installing a video doorbell, or click here to read more about surveillance legistlations.
If you install your video doorbell that is too close to your neighbor, it may be seen as a breach of privacy.
If your doorbell’s detecting area includes your neighbor’s front door, or other sensitive areas, you should let your neighbor know the existence of the doorbell.
So what’s the best way to deal with such a situation when you are about to install a doorbell for your apartment complex?
1. Talk to your apartment or flat complex management before installing the doorbell to check if there are any limitations or legislations.
2. If the apartment complex management allows you to install the smart doorbell, you should speak with your neighbor, since the video doorbell will be watching out onto a shared hallway and possibly into your neighbor’s house when the door is open.
3. Check the recorded videos regularly. Label and back up the important video clips, such as a home break-in, and delete the unnecessary footages.
As long as your video doorbell doesn’t invade your neighbor’s privacy, and the landlord allows you to install the doorbell, you don’t need to worry about being involved in video surveillance legality issue.
If you have any questions about installing video doorbells in apartment, leave your questions in the comment below. We will reply to you ASAP!
Reference
① A Reddit poster’s question: What is the best battery powered smart doorbell, I live in an apartment which isn’t wired for a doorbell so that’s out of the question?
② A Quora OP’s question: What is the best video doorbell for an apartment with no doorbell to hook up to?
③ A poster of Reddit: I need a battery powered doorbell, as I live in an apartment and there are no existing doorbell power wires.
④ A Reddit OP’s question: Any tips on mounting a Ring Doorbell at an apartment without drilling into the door/wall?
⑤ A poster in Reddit: Any recommendations for mounting Ring Doorbell without damaging walls? (Apartment), Condo complex door…
⑥ Another poster from Reddit: Can I install Ring without screwing the mount?
⑦ A Reddit poster’s question: I bought a Ring 2 and am looking to see if anyone has any mounting solutions to put it up without damaging the door or drilling into the wall since I live in an apartment.
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