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 have a buzzer and my front door has a window in it. I can actually see who rang the buzzer when i look through the window.”
Yes but then the person buzzing you knows your home when they see you look. Not so great when the person at your door you may be avoiding.
Personally I like my buildings set-up of a video intercom.
The system my building has doesn’t work with VoIP, but the way the previous owner set it up in the apartment, there is a dedicated jack in the kitchen that only connects to the intercom system. The other two phone jacks can have a standard landline or VoIP line.
I have always liked the system, but now I wish I had one like Snezan’s! Never locking myself out again would be a definite plus.
Some people just like to bitch about the most ridiculous stuff. The Building belongs to your landlord so obviously you have no choice. Stop being cheap and shell out 20 bucks for a magic jack.
Pete…those are all over Philadelphia…ben franklin originally invented them and they are referred to as “Franklin Busy Bodies.”
ever see those little mirrors than are attached outside upstairs windows….so from inside the room upstairs can get glimpse of who is on stoop. Don’t even have to open window.
Ok so the facts: Your buzzer system is in desperate need of replacement. Your landlord decides to put in a new system that you suspect is not really state-of-the-art judging by your use of quotes. You don’t have a landline. And finally the new system is dependent on it dialing a number in order to facilitate the door opening.
First…the system is not forcing you to do anything. It IS relying on you to provide it with a number so it can safely and securely do it’s job. Just as the old system is relying on you to press a button in order to open the door. It does require some amount of participation like most things these days. Ever have to swipe your own credit card or even scan your own purchases? There is no contract between the phone company and this new security system that you have to sign that forces you to get a landline. At a minimum you have to give them a number.
Second…you want a new system yet when one is provided to you you would rather sue the landlord. Note: your legal bills would probably be more than installing a landline IF a landline was needed but it’s not correct?
Yes these types of systems are very common. Many people have their cellphones called in order to let someone in the door because like you they don’t have landlines either.
If safety and quick service is important to you then state-of-the-art is what you need or maybe having a system with a video feed or maybe even move to a doorman building but money is a concern here too correct?
But if safety is not a concern and having your cellphone ring is a nuisance and you are litigation-happy then by all means the old system is right for you.
Snezan is right.
As a landlord, I’ve pursued a more novel and technologically advanced approach. I have a buzzer and my front door has a window in it. I can actually see who rang the buzzer when i look through the window.
I only have a cellphone, no landline.
Fire alarm guy beat me to it – we had a system like this and it patched directly into the phone and rang the phone with a special tone. I don’t think it required actual phone service to work.
You should check with the landlord and find out if it is this type of system (in which case it won’t even work with cell phones) or if it is one that makes an actual call to an actual phone number (in which case you need a landline or you need to use your cell).