Ring Doorbells

Ring Doorbells

Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions.

Ring doorbell removed during escrow 

Dear Phyllis,

I love reading your real estate advice and have not seen you yet address the Ring doorbell. After months of looking, my niece just moved into her new Pasadena home. She completed her final walk-through with her agent, and everything was in order. Once she closed escrow, she discovered that the seller had removed the Ring doorbell. In my experience buying and selling real estate, I treat this type of item as an attachment, similar to a light fixture. You understand that buyers already face a difficult process when they compete against multiple offers and escalating prices. My niece paid $135,000 over the asking price. I find it astonishing that the seller removed an item worth less than $200. Before my niece pursues this further, can you weigh in?

Concerned Aunt

Dear Concerned Aunt,

I agree with you that buyers face a highly competitive offer process, and they rarely gain leverage in inspection negotiations. Your concerns are very valid, especially given everything it takes for a buyer to get into escrow. The removal of the doorbell becomes the final frustrating issue that convinces your niece she cannot tolerate any more setbacks.

I am not an attorney, but I agree that a Ring doorbell (and any cameras) functions as an attachment and should transfer with the home unless the Purchase Agreement specifically excludes it, just as a seller might exclude a dining room chandelier.

During the sale, the seller should disconnect the app from their personal device. The buyer can then download the app and create a new login. However, complications arise because the Ring requires a serial number to reactivate it, and that serial number sits on the back of the unit. A special tool removes the device, and the tool costs less than $10 and is available on the Ring website. Once the buyer obtains the serial number, they can reinstall and reactivate the system.

Your niece should contact her real estate agent in writing and request that the seller either reimburse her for the cost of a new Ring or return the device that was removed.

Thank you for your readership, and best of luck to your niece!

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