Top-Rated Smart Doorbells for Rental Properties: A Comprehensive Guide

For landlords and property managers, ensuring the safety and security of rental properties is crucial. One of the most effective ways to enhance the security of rental homes, apartments, or commercial properties is by installing a smart doorbell. These modern devices offer features like real-time video surveillance, motion detection, two-way audio, and remote access, providing both security and convenience. However, choosing the right smart doorbell for rental properties requires careful consideration of several factors, such as ease of installation, reliability, cost, and whether the system is flexible enough for tenants to use without compromising the property's security.

In this guide, we will explore the top-rated smart doorbells for rental properties and how to choose the right one based on your specific needs as a property owner or manager.

Why Choose a Smart Doorbell for Rental Properties?

Smart doorbells provide several advantages for rental properties, making them an attractive option for property owners and tenants alike. Here are the key reasons why a smart doorbell is an excellent investment:

1. Improved Security

Smart doorbells allow tenants and property managers to monitor who is at the door in real-time, even when they are not on the premises. With features like motion detection and video surveillance, they help deter potential intruders and give peace of mind to residents and owners.

2. Remote Access

One of the most useful aspects of smart doorbells is the ability to access the video feed remotely. Property owners and tenants can check who's at the door from their smartphone, tablet, or computer, whether they're inside the property or away.

3. No Need for Physical Keys

Many smart doorbells can be paired with smart locks, allowing tenants to unlock the door remotely. This eliminates the need for physical keys and ensures that access to the property is secure and streamlined. Additionally, some models offer temporary access codes, ideal for guests or delivery services.

4. Tenant Convenience

Tenants in rental properties can enjoy the convenience of seeing who's at their door without needing to answer it physically. This can be especially useful for people who live in multi-unit buildings, have mobility issues, or simply want added convenience.

5. Minimal Installation

Smart doorbells are easy to install and often don't require any major alterations to the property. Many models offer both wired and wireless installation options, giving flexibility for different types of rental properties.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Smart Doorbell for Rental Properties

Before choosing the best smart doorbell, property owners must consider the following factors:

1. Ease of Installation

For rental properties, ease of installation is crucial. Many tenants may not want to permanently alter the property, and landlords typically want a doorbell that doesn't require complicated wiring. Wireless doorbells are ideal for this reason, as they don't require any special wiring or drilling.

2. Compatibility with Other Smart Devices

Smart doorbells often work best when integrated with other smart devices such as security cameras, smart locks, or home automation systems. For rental properties, compatibility with a variety of devices is a must, especially if you're aiming to offer tenants a fully connected home.

3. Privacy and Data Security

In rental properties, where different tenants may come and go, it's essential to choose a smart doorbell that prioritizes privacy and secure data handling. Cloud-based storage systems, which many smart doorbells use, should be reputable and comply with local privacy regulations.

4. Durability and Weather Resistance

Rental properties, especially those in areas with extreme weather conditions, need a smart doorbell that is built to withstand the elements. Look for a model with a high IP rating (e.g., IP65 or IP66) for water resistance and durability.

5. User-Friendly App and Access Control

The app associated with the smart doorbell should be easy for tenants to use. It should offer real-time notifications, video streaming, and be intuitive. Additionally, access control features such as temporary or time-sensitive access are useful for tenants who may want to grant access to guests or service personnel.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

For property owners, smart doorbells should be a cost-effective investment. While the security features are invaluable, the upfront costs and any subscription fees should be within your budget, especially if you plan to install them across multiple units.

Top-Rated Smart Doorbells for Rental Properties

Below are some of the best smart doorbells suited for rental properties. These models provide a combination of affordability, ease of installation, security features, and tenant convenience.

1. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Price: Around $250

Key Features:

• 1080p HD Video: Provides a high-definition video feed with a 160-degree field of view.
• Two-Way Audio: Speak with visitors, delivery personnel, or maintenance workers.
• Motion Detection: Adjustable motion zones help reduce false alarms.
• Compatibility : Works seamlessly with Ring's smart locks, security cameras, and Alexa devices.
• Weather-Resistant: IP65-rated for outdoor use in various weather conditions.

Why It's Great for Rental Properties : The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offers reliable video quality and robust features at a reasonable price. It integrates well with other Ring devices, making it ideal for landlords who want to build a connected home system for their rental properties.

Actionable Tip : Consider subscribing to Ring's Protect Plan to access cloud storage for video footage, or use the device with local storage options to avoid ongoing subscription fees.

2. Eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell

Price: Around $160

Key Features:

• 1080p HD Video: Provides high-definition video with a 4:3 aspect ratio to capture visitors from head to toe.
• Local Storage: The device supports 16GB of local storage, eliminating the need for subscription fees.
• Two-Way Audio: Clear two-way communication with visitors.
• Motion Detection: AI-powered motion detection minimizes false alerts.
• Weatherproof: IP65-rated for outdoor use in all conditions.

Why It's Great for Rental Properties : Eufy's doorbell is perfect for privacy-conscious landlords and tenants since it doesn't require cloud storage or a subscription plan. It offers good video quality and an easy installation process, making it an affordable solution for rental properties.

Actionable Tip: The 16GB local storage may be sufficient for most users, but if more storage is needed, you can expand it via an external device.

3. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

Price: Around $180

Key Features:

• 1536p HD Video: Provides high-definition video with a 180-degree field of view.
• Two-Way Audio: Listen and talk to visitors through the doorbell.
• Motion Detection: Built-in motion detection alerts you when someone approaches the door.
• Compatibility : Integrates with other Arlo security devices and Alexa.
• Weather-Resistant: IP65-rated, suitable for outdoor conditions.

Why It's Great for Rental Properties : The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is an excellent choice for properties where video quality is paramount. It provides a wide field of view and integrates well with other security devices, making it a great choice for landlords with larger portfolios.

Actionable Tip : While the cloud subscription is an additional cost, the device can be used with Arlo's local storage options if you prefer not to rely on the cloud.

4. Amcrest Video Doorbell

Price: Around $120

Key Features:

• 1080p HD Video: Delivers clear video quality with night vision capabilities.
• Two-Way Audio: Communicate with visitors in real-time.
• Local Storage : Supports microSD cards (up to 128GB) for local video storage.
• Motion Detection: Smart motion detection to avoid false alarms.
• Weatherproof: IP65-rated for durability in outdoor environments.

Why It's Great for Rental Properties : Amcrest's doorbell offers a budget-friendly option with local storage and high-definition video. It's an excellent choice for those looking to maintain privacy and avoid subscription fees.

Actionable Tip : For the best value, pair the doorbell with a high-capacity microSD card to ensure you have ample storage for video footage.

Conclusion

Smart doorbells are a powerful tool for enhancing the security of rental properties, offering both landlords and tenants an easy way to monitor entrances and interact with visitors. Whether you're looking for a model with local storage, cloud integration, or compatibility with other smart devices, there are plenty of options to choose from. By considering factors like ease of installation, video quality, and privacy, you can select the best smart doorbell for your rental property needs.

Choose a model that fits your budget and security requirements, and you'll be on your way to offering a safer, more connected rental experience for both you and your tenants.