Renters have many reasons to keep an eye on their front door and belongings, especially if they live in an apartment building with plenty of strangers close by. While using a camera to watch your front door and monitor suspicious activity sounds like a good idea, it raises some legal questions. Where can tenants put cameras in multifamily housing like an apartment building? Do they need to ask for permission first?
We’ve got the answers to these common questions about setting up your security. Look below to find what can work in your situation.
Can I put a security camera outside of my apartment to watch the door?
Once you exit your apartment into a hallway, stairway or similar place, you are now in a common area. That means that laws about the expectation of privacy don’t usually apply, and security cameras can legally record there.
However, there are still two big problems with installing a security camera in your apartment complex. First, you don’t own those walls and the landlord, property management company or other entity probably doesn’t want you installing a surveillance device on them. Second, it’s possible that you violate other tenants’ privacy if the camera can peek inside their homes when they have doors open, etc.
So, except for very unusual circumstances, you can’t install a camera in an apartment hallway. That being said, if you have a problem with packages being stolen, stalkers or vandalism, we suggest contacting the property manager and asking permission to install your own security camera that can only see your doorway.
Can the landlord or owner put a camera in common areas like hallways?
While laws may vary a little based on location, the owner can almost always install their own security cameras in common areas like hallways, mailrooms, elevators, entryways, laundry rooms and so on. It’s a common feature of apartment buildings with security systems and security guards. Tenants don’t usually have the ability to access these security cameras. However, the same rules apply so owners cannot use these cameras to look inside apartment doors or windows and violate expectations of privacy.
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Can I install a security camera inside my apartment?
Yes, you should be able to install a security camera inside your own rented space. Your lease may have specific rules about installing security equipment or making permanent changes to the walls, so it’s a good idea to take a look first. Luckily, plenty of home security systems are wireless and designed to be used with adhesive so you can install and remove them without making any holes.
What about video doorbells on an apartment door? Can I install one of those?
An exterior video doorbell can raise similar problems to a security camera, but landlords or property management companies may be more willing to allow one, since the doorbell is typically focused only on the front of the door and used to monitor packages, etc. Make sure the doorbell can’t see into anyone else’s apartment when they leave, and try to get written permission to use one if possible.
There’s also a renter-friendly alternative: Ring has a dedicated Peephole Cam ($130) made specifically for apartment doors that replaces the traditional peephole with a small video doorbell, which may be even less likely to run afoul of apartment regulations.
An apartment hallway is a common area, but pointing cams at people’s doorways is still usually illegal.
Is it legal for another tenant to record me entering or leaving my apartment?
It’s usually considered a violation of privacy if can see inside your apartment when you open the door, not to mention creepy. There’s also a chance someone could use the footage to plot a break-in. These are all excellent reasons to immediately raise the issue with a property management company, security guard or landlord if you notice someone recording your movements in a common area.
What about putting a camera outside to watch my car?
This is another common question we’ve found from renters worried about car vandalism and other problems. Since the parking lot and exterior of the apartment building are public areas, it’s not illegal to put a camera there. However, tenants don’t own those areas and can’t usually install a security camera themselves without getting permission. If the property already uses security cameras, you can try talking to the guards to see if you can look at the footage.
For long-term monitoring of your parking spot, think about setting up an inside camera next to a window that looks out at your car. It’s not an ideal setup, and windows can create a lot of problems for security cameras, but it’s better than nothing and you probably won’t need to ask anyone’s permission. You could also try using a Ring Car Cam, which is more of a dashcam but could still help.
With those questions answered, now is a great time to review our best picks for indoor cameras, the top nanny cam options and the best cameras that you can use without a subscription.