Landlord Installing Phone Intercom System
I recently received a notice from our landlord informing us that they’re replacing our building’s buzzer system, which is in desperate need of replacement. However, they’re replacing it with a “state of the art” system with electronic scrolling that dials a telephone number. My girlfriend and I both use cellphones and we have no need…
I recently received a notice from our landlord informing us that they’re replacing our building’s buzzer system, which is in desperate need of replacement. However, they’re replacing it with a “state of the art” system with electronic scrolling that dials a telephone number. My girlfriend and I both use cellphones and we have no need for a landline. As such, this “state of the art” system forces us into either having our cellphones called every time somebody rings our apartment, or forcing us into spend a few hundred bucks a year on a landline.
So, two question. First, can my landlord legally install this system and/or do I have any legal grounds for opposing its installation? Second, does anybody live in a building with this system, and is it common? Is it something you like or not?
Thanks in advance for the input.
I think if you’re willing, you can even convert it to a chime in your apartment. Not savvy enough to know how it’s done but know it can. =) Not savvy too? Just add another doorbell downstairs that can link to a wireless chime at your apt at your expense. Cheaper than phone line. done.
PS: I wouldn’t complain about the new system. Be greatful or expect nothing next time. You don’t have to give a number, it’s like how it was before. alls good.
I was intimately involved with the installation of this system in a 40 unit coop, fire alarm guy has it, you don’t need actual phone service, you just need the right dmark and a previous line and and jack and handset in the apt.
And for all of you naysayers who wonder how it can call two cellphones, it’s really very simple. If there are two people living in an apt, you make an entry for BOTH people in the directory. The system is not limited to one entry per apt, which is one of the good things about it.
THe only caveat is that he has to buy a system with the capacity. Typically these systems are sold with a specific number of entries available. He should take the number of apts and double it so there is room for duplicate entries.
Now you can ask the LL these questions cuz proper setup and installation is the key to these systems.
#1 — Most of those systems can call multiple phone numbers if that’s what the tenant wants.
#2 — They’re pretty awesome because you can actually let people in when you’re not home. Say, the UPS driver or a guest and you’re running late and it’s pouring rain outside.
#3 — Do you even have visitors?
I’m not sure what all the sarcasm is for. While the poster didn’t mention it, there’s a real problem here, namely… who’s cell phone is called by the buzzer? If two people live there and only one is home, then the system plain won’t work if the person not at home is called.
Yes, they can just get a magic jack or a google voice or VOIP phone, but any of those solutions end up creating cost and hassle for the renter.
I’m looking for something like that. Anyone have any suggested models of multi-unit doorbell/intercom/video intercom systems that don’t use the phone at all? I’ve seen some that are $400 for 3 units… I’m thinking of just stringing bell wire to each unit instead of paying that.
Bill collectors don’t do house calls, they do harassing phone calls.
Awww..poor baby.
Sounds like you will be called only when someone rings your doorbell, not just anyone in the building. That’s pretty tolerable isn’t it?
NYGuy7….I pay all my bills on time. There’s no one I’m trying to avoid.