Can Video Doorbells Be Used in Apartments?
It is at the discretion of your building manager as to whether you can use a video doorbell for your apartment.
There usually are two concerns that arise when it comes to video doorbell usage in a rented property: installation concerns and privacy concerns.
Issues with Video Doorbells
Installation Concerns
Many video doorbell systems require a hardwired connection for power, which means that the doorbell needs to be connected to the building’s primary electrical system to receive power. Some landlords will not allow this.
If the landlord allows you to connect to the central electrical system, they may stipulate that a qualified electrical professional must do the installation. They may also require you to uninstall the video doorbell and repair any damages incurred because of the installation before you move.
You can purchase a battery-powered video doorbell, but there may still be some drilling required to attach it to the wall next to the door, which may or may not be approved by building management.
Another concern with installing video doorbells in an apartment complex is privacy. A video doorbell in an apartment complex may record video in areas that are shared by all the residents in the building.
Depending on the orientation of your entryway, your video doorbell could be aimed at a shared hallway or possibly even your neighbor’s main doorway; this is a violation of privacy rights for other tenants and their guests.
As a renter of an apartment unit, you need permission from the building owner or manager before installing a video doorbell.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Why Security Camera Installation Should Be Left to the Professionals
Why You Should Hire a Professional Security Camera Installer If you are not an audiovisual professional, installing quality, capable home security equipment can be a much bigger ordeal than you anticipated. The DIY home security systems advertised on television look easy to set up and install. The truth is that we’ve received many calls from…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17 Rochester #18 Berkley #19 Brandon Township…
How to Make Your First-Floor Apartment Safe
In business, getting in on the ground floor is great. You are part of a plan early on to gain an advantage. When it comes to apartment-dwelling, however, getting in on the ground floor is only an advantage in some respects. It’s easier for you and your pets to get in an out, it’s easier…
What are Fire Ratings?
Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…
Video Doorbell Privacy Issues
Video Doorbells In the News Video doorbells are one of the hottest home security tools on the market today. We agree. Once you have a video doorbell, you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it. Check out our blog on How a Video Doorbell Works to learn more. However, like any technology on the…
Should My Business Have a Panic Button?
What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…
Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience
The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…
Spring Cleaning Your Security System
The unofficial countdown to summer begins for many of us each year as we “spring forward” into daylight saving time, moving the clock forward one hour to give us an extra hour of sunlight at the end of every day. Since this is the time of the year when we change our clocks, it is important…