Can a Tenant Install a Security Camera?

Installing security cameras have a lot of benefits, one of the biggest ones being an increased sense of security. Security cameras can act as a deterrent and help reduce the number of crime-related incidents near your property. For these same reasons, it’s common for tenants to want to install security cameras in their apartments, both inside and outside. However, with the installment or security cameras comes certain risks for you as a property owner.

Is Installing a Security Camera Legal?

In New York City, tenants can legally install security cameras both inside and outside of their apartment. Any WiFi-enabled security camera system that does not require any drilling or wiring is allowed in New York City buildings, unless you expressly prohibit your tenants from doing so in your lease agreement. In addition, tenants may install cameras outside of their apartment, provided that it does not cause any damage to your building.

Where Can Exterior Security Cameras Go?

When installing security cameras outside of your apartment, there are additional rules that must be followed. For example, your camera should not be positioned in a way that records another person’s home.

This means your camera cannot face other tenants’ entrances, windows, yards, or parking. It should only cover your rented area. Cameras that don’t follow this rule may violate the privacy of the other tenants, and they are able to take legal action against being recorded without consent.

However, as a landlord, you may be able to impose additional rules and limitations on the installation of security cameras on your property. To avoid any complications with current or future tenants, consider including rules or guidelines within your lease agreements on tenant-owned security cameras.

To put your tenants at ease while also reducing your legal risks, consider installing security cameras yourself. Security cameras can be incredibly beneficial, which is why one of the most important parts of installing cameras is choosing the right location. You should take your time looking for a location that will achieve maximum effectiveness, by covering your property’s most important areas, such as entrances, exits, and any areas that could be accessed by the public, such as front stairs or dumpster areas.

Not Sure if Cameras in Your Building Are Legal? Contact Outerbridge Law

As a landlord, discovering that your tenants have installed security cameras outside their units can put you between a rock and a hard place. If you allow the cameras to remain, you could be violating the privacy of other tenants or neighbors, and if you ask the tenant to remove their cameras, you could make them feel unsafe. It’s important to approach these situations with caution and avoid taking actions that could put your business at risk.

If you’ve discovered cameras in your building, or have tenants who want to install cameras, make sure you’re legally protected. To learn more about regulations regarding security cameras in apartment buildings, contact Outerbridge Law, P.C. today.

The information contained in this page is for informational use only. This page does not establish an attorney-client relationship, nor should it be construed as establishing one.