Security cameras at apartment complexes, sports stadiums, retail stores, and other publicly accessible buildings have long been familiar sights. However, thanks to a wide assortment of reasonably priced options, people find it increasingly attractive to install them at their homes.

That’s okay if someone owns their property, but what should renters know before installing a camera? Is it legal for a landlord to put in a security camera without telling a tenant?

Apartment Camera Laws for Tenants: What You Need to Know

Security cameras are not generally illegal for tenants to install. However, that doesn’t mean you can mount them anywhere.

Take Care To Only Record Your Property

When you decide where to put up a security camera, keeping other people’s lives private is a must. For instance, a camera aimed out into your apartment complex hallway cannot record what occurs at a neighbor’s residence.

Take the time to read the field-of-view specifications for any camera before and after purchasing it. Ring doorbell camera models have a horizontal field of view ranging from 155 to 180 degrees depending on the type purchased. They also work best mounted 48 inches from the ground.

While picking the perfect placement, ensure it only records what happens at or near your own abode.

Review Your Lease

hand signing papers with landlord

It’s also smart to take a close look at your lease agreement and check for any factors that could influence security camera decisions. For example, many rental contracts forbid tenants from drilling holes or making any other permanent changes. Fortunately, many wireless cameras exist that don’t require such modifications.

Nonetheless, you need to know this before purchasing any recording equipment.

However, tenants should also check documentation associated with other groups, such as residents’ associations. For example, one blogger found that their respective organization did not allow tenants to have Ring cameras or similar products.

Related: Your Ring Doorbell Can Be Hacked: Here's How to Protect It

Check Landlord Entry Rights

State and local laws dictate why a landlord can enter an apartment and whether they must provide notice. Those specifics could mean some security cameras violate your lease agreement. More specifically, some security cameras work with smart locks, which could bar a landlord from entering if you don’t know about it beforehand.

Lease agreements usually contain clauses stating when and why a landlord can come in and whether they must abide by a certain timeframe when alerting tenants. However, some states that normally require telling an occupant in advance may allow landlords to enter at any time during emergencies.

Tips for Landlords Who Want to Install Security Cameras

for rent sign in window

Landlords must similarly abide by specific procedures before installing security cameras. Some also apply at the federal level.

Research Duty of Care Obligations

Some states require landlords to take appropriate steps to protect people from danger. For example, in some states, property owners are legally obligated to take care of their grounds to safeguard residents from harm.

In such cases, property managers could reasonably assert using ​​security cameras at apartment complexes is a practical way to keep people safe. Landlords and property managers should try to ease tenants’ hesitations by focusing on how the cameras’ purpose is to protect people, not invade their privacy.

Consider Using Signage Informing of Security Cameras

In Canada, the Condominium Act requires using signs to indicate camera usage, even when people install the devices in conspicuous places. However, that’s not necessary in the United States.

Even so, many landlords and property managers opt to put up signs for maximum transparency. Being upfront about security cameras could also deter would-be criminals.

Respect the Expectation of Privacy

cameras spying on tenants

Federal law in the United States forbids people from installing recording devices anywhere assumed private. That means a landlord could put a security camera in the common area of an apartment complex’s swimming pool, but not the locker room.

People should also not point a security camera located in a public place to record things happening on or in private property.

However, some state laws allow installing cameras in private places with an occupant’s consent. There are at least 15 states with regulations about security camera installations. Additionally, cities and other localities may have more rules.

Related: The Best Perimeter Security Devices

The best course of action to take is to get complete details about all applicable laws before using a security camera.

Get the Details Regardless of Your Role

This overview of apartment security camera laws for tenants and landlords should highlight why it’s always wise to gather all the relevant information before finalizing any decisions. A tenant may rush to research security cameras after hearing about numerous break-ins in the local area.

Similarly, a landlord may believe that a surveillance device is an ideal way to curb repeat vandalism.

However, since the allowances vary based on many factors, anyone interested in taking security matters into their own hands should first learn about applicable laws. Doing that is a practical way to avoid unintentionally breaking a lease, getting sued, or dealing with another unwanted situation.