Ring doorbells are one of the most popular home technology innovations in recent years.
But can you install these on flats?
Read on to find out.
What is a Ring doorbell?
A Ring doorbell is an electric ringing device fitted to your door with a built-in camera.
It is made by an American company called ‘Ring’, and gained popularity in the US before coming to Britain.
Users sync it with an app on their smartphone to get alerts whenever someone is at the door.
The built-in camera also gives them a few-second snapshot of the person who visited and enables them to:
- Hear and speak with visitors remotely
- Access night vision
- Save and replay recorded videos.
And more.
Are Ring doorbells legal in UK flats?
Yes, Ring doorbells are usually legal in UK flats. Lots of flats across the country have them.
However, there are some important caveats to add.
For example, making sure you’re complying with your lease or tenancy agreement is important.
A freeholder might forbid Ring doorbells.
And if they do permit it, you should also consider your neighbour’s privacy (i.e., whether you’re recording their property without consent). This can be tricky if your front doors are close to each other.
And the type of flat matters, too.
Maisonettes, for example, have fewer security issues than other flats because they typically have their own entrances.
Are Ring doorbells legal in other types of UK property?
Yes, Ring doorbells are utterly legal on all types of property in the United Kingdom.
You will only typically be asked to remove it if you infringe on a neighbour’s privacy.
This could be because the position of the doorbell gives a clear view into their bedrooms or garden.
Families with young children are often especially sensitive around this.
If you move the doorbell position to avoid infringing on anyone’s privacy, you’ll be allowed to keep it.
Do I need permission from my landlord to buy a Ring doorbell?
In most cases, yes. Any changes to the function or appearance of a property you don’t own usually need the landlord’s approval.
You should also check your rental agreement or lease. This may outline what you do or don’t need permission for.
Most landlords will be lenient about this type of installation. Ring doorbells are very common in the UK.
Indeed, even if you’ve installed one without your landlord’s permission, they may not have a problem with it. But you should always check, just to be safe.
How common are Ring doorbells in the UK?
More than 100,000 people are estimated to have a Ring doorbell.
And around 1 in 5 homeowners have a camera fitted to their front door.
Many expect this to become a nationwide ‘standard practice’ in the coming years.
It’s a win-win situation as you can improve security by getting alerts about activities at your door.
However, some critics believe this phenomenon signifies societal trust eroding. Others think it invades the privacy of passersby.
Can I be forced to remove a Ring doorbell?
Yes, in some cases. If your lease or rental agreement forbids changes without permission, you can be forced to remove a Ring doorbell.
If your neighbour feels your doorbell violates their privacy, they can complain to the landlord or council.
They may have a fair case if you’ve got recordings of their children or inside their bedroom or garden. In this case, you could be forced to remove it.
