How to Give Tenant Access to Ring Doorbell

This guide walks you through how to give tenant access to Ring doorbell without compromising your security or violating privacy laws. You’ll learn safe sharing methods, legal considerations, and troubleshooting tips for a smooth experience.

Key Takeaways

• Use Shared User Access: Add tenants as shared users in the Ring app to grant limited control without full ownership.
• Respect Privacy Laws: Always get written consent from tenants before installing or sharing access to surveillance devices.
• Limit Permissions Wisely: Choose “View Only” or “Live View” access to prevent tenants from changing settings or deleting recordings.
• Use a Separate Wi-Fi Network: Set up a guest network for the Ring device to protect your main network from unauthorized access.
• Document Everything: Keep records of access agreements and device setup to avoid disputes later.
• Monitor Activity Logs: Regularly check who accessed the doorbell and when to ensure compliance and security.
• Know When to Revoke Access: Remove tenant access immediately upon lease end to maintain control and privacy.

How to Give Tenant Access to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Guide

If you’re a landlord or property manager with a Ring doorbell installed at a rental property, you may be wondering: How can I give my tenant access to the doorbell without giving up control? It’s a common and valid concern. On one hand, tenants benefit from being able to see who’s at the door, receive package alerts, and feel safer. On the other hand, you want to protect your property, maintain privacy, and avoid legal issues.

The good news? Ring makes it possible to share access securely and responsibly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to give tenant access to Ring doorbell the right way—step by step. You’ll learn about setup options, privacy considerations, best practices, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your tenant.

Whether you’re managing a single-family home, an apartment, or a multi-unit building, this guide will help you strike the perfect balance between convenience and control.

Why Share Ring Doorbell Access with Tenants?

Before diving into the technical steps, let’s talk about why sharing access makes sense—and when it might not.

Benefits of Sharing Access

• Enhanced Security: Tenants can see who’s approaching the door in real time, reducing the risk of break-ins or unwanted visitors.
• Package Protection: With motion alerts and live video, tenants can monitor deliveries and prevent porch theft.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing they can check the doorbell from their phone gives tenants a sense of control and safety.
• Reduced Maintenance Calls: If a tenant sees a delivery person or maintenance worker, they can confirm arrival without you needing to intervene.

When Not to Share Access

Sharing isn’t always the best option. Avoid giving access if:

• The tenant has a history of violating privacy or misusing technology.
• You’re unsure about local surveillance laws.
• The property has shared entrances where multiple tenants might need access (this can get complicated).
• You haven’t discussed it with the tenant or obtained consent.

Always prioritize trust, legality, and clear communication.

Understanding Ring’s Sharing Features

Ring offers several ways to share access to your doorbell. The most secure and recommended method is using the Shared Users feature in the Ring app. This allows you to grant limited access without transferring ownership.

Types of Access Levels

When you add a shared user, you can choose from three permission levels:

• View Only: The tenant can see live video and recorded clips but cannot change settings, delete recordings, or receive alerts.
• Live View: The tenant can view live video and receive motion and doorbell alerts but still can’t modify settings.
• Full Access: The tenant can do everything you can—change settings, delete recordings, manage alerts, and more. This is not recommended for tenants.

For most landlords, Live View is the ideal choice. It gives tenants useful functionality while protecting your control over the device.

What Shared Users Can and Can’t Do

It’s important to understand the boundaries:

• Can Do: View live video, watch recorded events, receive motion and doorbell alerts (if enabled), and talk through the doorbell (if two-way audio is on).
• Cannot Do: Change Wi-Fi settings, remove the device, delete your account, change ownership, or access your personal Ring dashboard.

This separation keeps your account secure while empowering your tenant.

Step-by-Step: How to Give Tenant Access to Ring Doorbell

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps to safely and effectively share access with your tenant.

Step 1: Ensure the Doorbell Is Properly Installed and Connected

Before sharing access, make sure the Ring doorbell is:

• Physically installed at the front door.
• Connected to Wi-Fi and functioning properly.
• Linked to your Ring account.

Test the doorbell by pressing it and checking if you receive a notification. Verify that live view works and that motion detection is active.

Step 2: Open the Ring App and Log In

Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell.

Step 3: Navigate to Device Settings

Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-left corner. Select Devices, then choose your doorbell from the list.

Step 4: Select “Shared Users”

Scroll down and tap Shared Users. This is where you’ll manage who has access.

Step 5: Add a New Shared User

Tap the + Add Shared User button. You’ll be prompted to enter the tenant’s email address. Make sure it’s the email they use for their Ring account (or the one they’ll create).

Step 6: Choose Access Level

Select the appropriate permission level:

• For most tenants: Choose Live View.
• If you want to be extra cautious: Choose View Only.

Avoid Full Access unless you fully trust the tenant and have a written agreement.

Step 7: Send the Invitation

Tap Send Invitation. The tenant will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.

Step 8: Tenant Accepts the Invitation

The tenant must:

• Open the email and click the link.
• Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
• Accept the invitation.

Once accepted, they’ll see the doorbell in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.”

Step 9: Test the Connection

Have the tenant open the Ring app and try:

• Viewing live video.
• Receiving a motion alert (you can wave at the doorbell to test).
• Answering the doorbell (if two-way audio is enabled).

This confirms everything is working correctly.

Best Practices for Landlords

Sharing access is just the beginning. To maintain security and avoid problems, follow these best practices.

1. Get Written Consent

Before installing or sharing access to any surveillance device, get written consent from your tenant. This protects you legally and sets clear expectations.

Include a clause in the lease agreement or a separate addendum that states:

• A Ring doorbell is installed at the property.
• The tenant will be granted limited access via the Ring app.
• The landlord retains full ownership and control.
• The tenant agrees not to tamper with the device or misuse access.

This documentation can prevent disputes down the line.

2. Use a Guest Wi-Fi Network

To protect your main network, connect the Ring doorbell to a guest Wi-Fi network. Most modern routers allow you to set up a separate network for visitors and IoT devices.

Benefits include:

• Isolating the doorbell from your personal devices.
• Preventing tenants from accessing your main network.
• Improving overall network security.

If your router doesn’t support guest networks, consider upgrading to one that does.

3. Limit Permissions to “Live View”

As mentioned earlier, avoid giving full access. “Live View” strikes the right balance—tenants can see who’s at the door and receive alerts, but they can’t change settings or delete recordings.

4. Monitor Activity Logs

Ring keeps a log of who accessed the doorbell and when. To view it:

• Go to the Ring app.
• Tap the menu > Account > Activity Log.
• Filter by device and date.

Regularly check this log to ensure tenants aren’t misusing access.

5. Revoke Access When the Lease Ends

When a tenant moves out, remove their access immediately. To do this:

• Go to Shared Users in the Ring app.
• Tap the tenant’s name.
• Select Remove User.

This prevents former tenants from spying on new occupants or causing trouble.

6. Educate Your Tenant

Take a few minutes to explain how the doorbell works and what they can expect. Show them:

• How to view live video.
• How to respond to alerts.
• What not to do (e.g., don’t share login info, don’t disable motion detection).

A little education goes a long way in preventing misuse.

Privacy and Legal Considerations

Surveillance laws vary by state and country, so it’s crucial to understand your legal obligations.

Recording Audio and Video

In most U.S. states, it’s legal to record video in public areas like a front porch. However, audio recording is more restricted. Many states require two-party consent, meaning both you and the person being recorded must agree.

Since Ring doorbells record audio by default, consider:

• Disabling audio recording if local laws require consent.
• Informing visitors that they’re being recorded (a simple sign can help).
• Checking your state’s wiretapping and surveillance laws.

When in doubt, consult a local attorney.

Notice and Consent

Even if recording is legal, tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Always:

• Notify tenants in writing that a camera is installed.
• Explain what it records and why.
• Get their signed consent.

This builds trust and reduces the risk of legal action.

Data Security

Ring stores video footage in the cloud. To protect tenant privacy:

• Enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account.
• Use a strong, unique password.
• Avoid sharing your login credentials.

Also, review Ring’s privacy policy and data retention settings. You can choose how long recordings are stored (default is 60 days).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

Tenant Can’t See the Doorbell in the App

Possible causes:

• The invitation wasn’t accepted.
• The tenant is logged into the wrong Ring account.
• The device isn’t properly shared.

Solutions:

• Ask the tenant to check their email for the invitation.
• Confirm they’re using the correct email to log in.
• Re-send the invitation from the Shared Users menu.

Live View Isn’t Working

If the tenant can see the device but can’t view live video:

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell.
• Restart the doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (or turning off power for hardwired models).
• Ensure the tenant has “Live View” permissions.

Motion Alerts Aren’t Coming Through

This could be due to:

• Motion zones being disabled or misconfigured.
• Low sensitivity settings.
• App notifications being turned off on the tenant’s phone.

Fix it by:

• Adjusting motion zones in the Ring app.
• Increasing sensitivity.
• Checking the tenant’s phone settings for app notifications.

Doorbell Goes Offline Frequently

Common causes include:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal.
• Interference from other devices.
• Power issues (for battery models).

Try:

• Moving the router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Changing the Wi-Fi channel.
• Replacing the battery or checking wiring.

Tenant Wants to Change Settings

Remind them that they only have limited access. If they need a setting changed (e.g., motion sensitivity), you’ll need to do it from your account.

Avoid giving them your login info—this compromises security.

Alternatives to Sharing Access

If you’re uncomfortable sharing access, consider these alternatives:

Provide a Separate Doorbell

Install a second doorbell (Ring or another brand) specifically for the tenant. This gives them full control without involving your account.

Use a Smart Lock with Notifications

Pair a smart lock with a door sensor. Tenants get alerts when the door opens, and you maintain control over access.

Manual Check-Ins

For low-tech solutions, agree on regular check-ins via text or app when deliveries or visitors are expected.

While not as convenient, these options may be better in high-trust or high-risk situations.

Conclusion

Giving tenant access to a Ring doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated or risky. By using Ring’s Shared Users feature, setting clear permissions, and following best practices, you can enhance security for your tenant while protecting your property and privacy.

Remember:

• Always get written consent.
• Use “Live View” access, not full control.
• Connect the doorbell to a guest Wi-Fi network.
• Monitor activity and revoke access when needed.

With the right approach, a Ring doorbell can be a valuable tool for both landlords and tenants—offering peace of mind, convenience, and improved safety.

So go ahead, share that access responsibly. Your tenant (and your property) will thank you.