Do Apartments Allow Ring Doorbells?

ring peephole camera installed on white doorring peephole camera installed on white door

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The Ring Doorbell gives many people peace of mind as it allows them to record and have live videos of what is going on around their front door. If you live in an apartment, the Ring Doorbell will even allow you to see when people walk by and what is happening in the hallway. However, many people wonder if having a Ring Doorbell is allowed in apartment buildings.

Because different apartment complexes have different rules, always check the lease agreement before installing a Ring Doorbell, as some apartments allow it while others do not. For tenants who cannot install the device, the Ring Peephole Cam with Chime is a suitable alternative.  

Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Ring Peephole Cam and how to install it, as well as how to alternatively install a traditional Ring Doorbell with mounting brackets and adhesive tape.  

Do Apartments Allow Ring Doorbells?

Before installing a doorbell or drilling any holes into your apartment, you should check with your complex to see if it’s allowed. Check your lease agreement or ask the management team about all the rules.

Most apartment lease agreements have a clause that prevents you from installing fixtures. Unfortunately, any kind of doorbell is usually considered a fixture.

However, many tenants choose to install Ring Doorbells just by using the mounting brackets and double-sided tape, although there are a few reasons why this is not recommended:

  • Easier to steal. The doorbell could be snatched off your wall if someone pulls it. While people won’t be able to tell from the outside that it’s just taped, if they figure it out, they could take your Ring pretty easily.
  • It will void your warranty.  Ring has a theft replacement policy, but this only applies if you installed it correctly. Since you didn’t use the fasteners and screws, your warranty will be voided.
  • Adhesive tape can still damage your wall’s exterior. Some adhesive tape is very strong and can still damage walls.

Despite this, if you’re still willing to risk mounting your Ring Doorbell this way, you’ll want to follow these steps:

  1. Set up the mounting bracket. Use the included mounting bracket and leveling tool to place your Ring doorbell in the desired place.
  2. Use adhesive tape. Buy a good quality adhesive tape, preferably from a hardware store. It will need to be double-sided.
  3. Put tape on the back of the mounting bracket. Use several pieces. Then stick it securely to the wall pushing it in with force.
  4. Push the doorbell in. Firmly push the doorbell into the mounting bracket until it is secure.
  5. Set up the Ring to Wi-Fi. Use the Ring Home app to set up the Ring doorbell to Wi-Fi and get started using your new home feature.

The Better Alternative for Apartments: Ring Peephole Cameras

The Ring Peephole Camera allows people to have a camera that fits over their door peephole without the need to drill anything into the wall. It is also powered by a rechargeable battery which takes away the need for wiring. The camera doubles as a doorbell, so visitors have the option to “ring” the doorbell.  Note: The Ring Peephole Camera can be purchased with a Ring Chime, so you can hear the doorbell ring throughout your apartment.

The Ring Peephole Camera has many of the same features as the other Ring Doorbells, but for a lower price and a simpler installation process. It has infrared night vision, two-way talk features, 1080p HD video, and it can be used with the Amazon Alexa.

Unlike the other Ring doorbells, it does not have local storage or person detection. If you want to store videos or pictures, you will need to purchase a storage plan through Ring. Without person detection, you may get more frequent Ring notifications since the camera is not sure what’s outside.

Note: The Ring Peephole camera started being sold again in January 2023 after being discontinued in April 2021.

How to Install the Ring Peephole Camera

To put the Ring camera over your peephole, follow these simple steps:

  1. Charge the battery. Installing the doorbell with a fully charged battery is always a good idea. Ring says the battery should last six months.
  2. Take out the current peephole. Ring will include all the tools to do this with the kit that you buy.
  3. Place the camera towards the door. Place the camera over the old peephole to ensure that it is capturing the correct view.
  4. Connect the tube and wire. Both should be connected correctly to the battery on the inside of the door.
  5. Scan QR code. The battery will have a QR code that your phone’s camera can scan. Your phone will automatically take you to the Ring Home App.
  6. Set up an account. The Ring app should take you through all the steps to set up the peephole camera and connect it to the Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts

Most apartments do not allow the installation of “fixtures,” which is the category most doorbells fall under. However, to avoid getting in trouble with their landlord, tenants choose to mount their Ring Doorbells with its included mounting bracket and double-sided tape instead of drilling—although this isn’t the most foolproof option.

With that said, if you like the Ring Doorbell but can’t install the device with screws to make sure it’s secure in an apartment building, opt for the Ring Peephole Cam. The installation process for the device is easy and non-invasive, and it offers many of the same features as the traditional Ring.

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