Smart doorbells, surveillance cameras and the like are not suitable for most apartments in apartment buildings. The simple solution for more security: the digital door viewer. But beware – there are also legal regulations.
In most cases, a digital door viewer can be set up without structural changes to the property. This is what makes it so attractive for tenants in apartment buildings or apartment owners in owners’ associations. Another plus point: The setup is quick and requires no special technical knowledge.
Inexpensive models available from as little as 20 euros
Digital door viewers are available from as little as 20 euros. These models have a camera and transmit what is happening in front of the apartment door to a screen on the other side of the door. Other models, so-called smart door viewers, are significantly more expensive (up to several hundred euros), but also offer more performance: high-resolution images, larger viewing angles, intercom function, control via app. Most models also have a night vision function, so that a good view of what is happening in front of the door is guaranteed even at night. Often there is also the option not only to show live images, but also to save the surveillance videos. A bell is also usually installed.
These additional functions can be helpful when you are out and about and the postman rings (control via app) or there has been a break-in.
No special expertise is required for installation
Installation is simple: First, the usually built-in lens of the analog door viewer must be removed. This does not break, so that it can be easily reinstalled when you move out. The camera is then placed in the hole in place of the lens and the screen is mounted on the inside of the door. The camera and screen are connected by cable, and when the rechargeable battery or batteries are charged, the new door viewer works.
Attention when buying: Not every model fits every door thickness and in every hole for the door viewer. It is worth writing down the dimensions before going to the hardware store and buying a corresponding model. Because if the door is changed when the digital door viewer is installed, there is a risk that the tenant will have to pay for the damage when they move out.
The legal situation is critical: digital door viewers limit the rights of neighbors
But be careful: Not everyone can simply install a digital door viewer. This was decided by the district court (AG) Bergisch Gladbach in September 2015 (Az. 70 C 17/15). The judgment states that the installation of a digital door viewer in an apartment building is prohibited because it represents an infringement of the personal rights of the other tenants. Paragraph 15 of the Home Ownership Act (WEG) is cited, according to which one may make use of one’s own property and common property (such as a hallway) in a community of owners, provided this does not restrict the rights of the other owners. According to AG Bergisch Gladbach, the camera of the digital door viewer restricts these rights. Recordings of door viewer videos are also questionable and the AG Munich has already initiated the deinstallation of a digital door viewer.
The conclusion: the installation of a digital door viewer is simple and can increase the feeling of security in your own home. But you should actually set up the door viewer only after consultation with the other tenants and legal protection.
Editorial office finanzen.net