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A video doorbell for renters, with no drilling
Updated
If you rent, start with a battery model and leave the landlord's wired button alone. 5 of the 7 picks here run on a battery. The Ring Battery Doorbell 2K has a maker-made adhesive mount, and the Tapo D225 listing shows 3M adhesive in the box. Skip the two wired-only models unless your landlord agrees.
No-drill options
- Ring No-Drill Mount (2nd Gen). Ring's support page says it is for renters or anyone who does not want holes. It uses double-sided adhesive, and you hold it to the wall for five minutes and give it an hour to bond. It comes off by pulling two adhesive tabs. Ring says the mounts are model-specific. The 2nd Gen mount lists the Battery Doorbell 2K.
- Tapo D225. Tapo's install page says that on battery you are free to choose the position. The listing shows 3M adhesive and a plug-in chime in the box.
- Arlo, Blink and eufy. The mounts on these listings use screws. Ask before drilling, or look for the maker's own adhesive plate for your exact model.
What to check with adhesive
Adhesive likes a clean, flat surface. Rough brick, stucco and flaking paint are general trouble spots for any tape. A doorbell on tape is also easier to pull off the wall. Arlo's FAQ says its doorbell cannot be removed from its mount without the release pin or a similar object, which helps a little against a quick grab.
Hearing the ring in an apartment
On battery, none of these ring a wired wall chime. The Tapo comes with a plug-in chime. For the others, plan on phone alerts, a plug-in chime from the maker, or a smart speaker. See will my chime still work.
Be a good neighbor
In a shared hallway your camera may face a neighbor's door. Aim it at your own doorway and use the privacy or activity zones the listings describe. Check your lease and building rules. Recording laws vary by state.
If you want to use the existing wires
Get permission in writing, take a photo of the old wiring, and keep the landlord's button so you can put it back. Turn off the breaker first.
Run your own door through the wiring checker, or compare all seven picks on the roundup page.