Do You Have To Tell Your Neighbors You Have A Ring Doorbell?

Ring cameras have taken the world by storm. The ability to protect a home with a simple piece of surveillance technology lets homeowners feel safe. However, some people worry that Ring cameras violate other people’s privacy. So, do you have to tell your neighbors you have a Ring doorbell?

You don’t have to tell your neighbors you have a Ring doorbell, but it is polite. That said, you cannot legally mount a Ring camera in a spot that looks through your neighbor’s window. Ideally, you should mount your Ring doorbell so that it only covers your yard and porch. Tell your neighbor if the camera sees part of their yard.

They may be fine with it, or they may tell you to change the angle. Ultimately, it’s important to respect your neighbor’s privacy while you protect your home. Follow along as we explore the nuances of where you should locate your Ring doorbell.

Do You Need Permission To Have A Ring Doorbell?

You don’t need permission to have a Ring doorbell at your home. It’s a homeowner’s right to use video doorbells and CCTV cameras for home security. However, homeowners are encouraged to make sure their Ring doorbells don’t point into their neighbor’s yard or windows.

You also cannot place a Ring doorbell in a private area of a home that other people have access to. For example, you cannot put a Ring doorbell inside a guest bedroom in your home. This is a violation of privacy, and it can carry legal penalties.

That’s especially true if you use your home as an Airbnb. You can legally have a Ring doorbell at your home as long as it isn’t concealed and in a spot that violates people’s privacy.

Do You Have To Tell People You Have A Ring Camera?

You aren’t required to tell your neighbors you have a Ring doorbell camera in most places. However, it is a common courtesy to let your neighbor know if the doorbell can see part of their yard. Ring doorbells are easy to spot because of their recognizable design.

They even say “Ring” on them, but your neighbors may not see them if their house is far away. That said, happy neighbors make happy neighbourhoods, so it’s a good idea to tell them. This will help instill good faith, and it may even make them feel safe at home. Ring’s website even recommends that you don’t point your camera into your neighbor’s yard or window.

Where Should You Put A Ring Doorbell?

Most people put Ring cameras on their front doors, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Burglars don’t just enter houses through front doors. Because of that, it’s important to cover as much ground as possible. However, the key is to do this without violating your neighbor’s privacy.

Front Door

The thought of a burglar breaking into your home through the front door is terrifying. Most people who have Ring doorbells put them on their front doors for that reason. This can show you who comes and goes from your house, when packages arrive, and when unwanted visitors show up.

Another good thing about a Ring doorbell on the front door is that it is unlikely to violate your neighbor’s privacy. That said, it’s still a good idea to check the angle and let your neighbor know if the camera shows their house. If that upsets them, you can show them how it appears in the footage and go from there.

You can always change the angle mount so it doesn’t show your neighbor’s house if that’s what they want. However, your neighbor may feel some comfort knowing that your camera shows part of their yard. Everybody is different, and it’s important to respect your neighbor’s wishes when it comes to their privacy.

Back And Side Door

A home’s back door is appealing to burglars. That’s because it’s a less visible entry point, since it’s not visible from the street in many cases. Because of that, it’s a great idea to put a Ring doorbell on your back and side door.

Burglars won’t expect cameras to be there, and it will hopefully scare them off if they’re smart. If they’re not smart enough to be deterred, you will at least have video evidence. The authorities can use this evidence to prosecute the burglars if they catch them.

However, it’s important to be careful with the placement of your back door Ring doorbell. For example, you must make sure the camera doesn’t point into your neighbor’s windows. If it does, adjust the camera or put it somewhere else in your backyard that doesn’t invade anyone’s privacy.

Above Your Garage Door

Ring makes special outdoor spotlight cameras that you can easily mount above your garage. This is a great way to burglar-proof your garage for your safety at home. Unfortunately, many burglars target garages because they contain high-value items.

A garage is also an easy way for burglars to get access to the rest of your home. Security cameras significantly reduce break-ins, and just the sight of a Ring spotlight camera can scare someone away.

Shed

Do you have a shed full of expensive tools and storage items? If so, it’s important to protect them with a Ring camera. Not only will this keep thieves out of your shed, but it will also make them think twice about breaking into your house.

That’s especially true if your shed points toward your house. It should at least show part of your yard, but it will likely shoot footage of your home as well.

Backyard

Finally, many homeowners put Ring cameras in their backyards. Even if you don’t put a Ring doorbell on your back door, you can still put one in your backyard. For example, some people mount Ring spotlight cameras high up on an exterior wall.

This can provide a nice view of your backyard. It will also light up if anybody moves around in your backyard. That is enough to scare away most burglars. The good thing is that you can easily adjust the camera, so it doesn’t look into your neighbor’s yard or windows.

Is Sharing Ring Video Legal?

You can share Ring videos legally if it doesn’t obstruct someone else’s privacy. For example, you cannot share Ring footage if it shows the inside of your neighbor’s house. However, you can post Ring footage online or on the Ring “Neighbors” app.

People often post videos of attempted break-ins or acts of vandalism. They do this to raise awareness, alert their neighbors, or help the police. However, you should not share Ring footage and audio of your neighbor’s activities or conversations that don’t happen on your property.

Summing It Up

You don’t have to tell your neighbors you have a Ring doorbell. However, you should let them know if your Ring camera shows part of their yard. In that case, they may ask you to change the camera’s angle if they feel it violates their privacy. It is illegal to record video or audio through a neighbor’s window as that is a violation of their privacy.

Related Guides:

• Will A Ring Doorbell Work With An Existing Chime?
• How To Prevent A Ring Doorbell From Being Stolen (Do This!)