Can Tenants Install Security Cameras?

John Carlsen

Senior Staff Writer, Security & Smart Home

Renting your domicile doesn't disqualify you from using a security photographic camera on the property, but it's not equally cut-and-dry as with homeowners. We'll spell out where and when you need permission to install security camera gear as a renter.

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When you don't demand permission to install a security camera

In most cases, renters can install security cameras inside their homes without asking a landlord for permission. Still, y'all should follow security camera privacy laws by keeping indoor cameras out of areas where people expect privacy, like bedrooms and bathrooms.

When to ask for permission to install a security camera

Carefully examine your charter agreement for references to security cameras and video doorbells. Your apartment complex might require permission in a couple of cases:

  • Drilling holes or working with electric wiring to install cameras
  • Installing security cameras on your apartment's exterior

Installation requires drilling or electrical work

A lease may not ban cameras outright, but property direction prefers to minimize repairs after you move out—and may charge a fee to gear up each pigsty yous drill. This applies to every photographic camera you lot install within or outside your rental property. Y'all should e'er go permission to install a wired doorbell camera, but there are workarounds for other types of cameras.

Possible workarounds

Most security cameras plug into a wall outlet and connect to your Wi-Fi network, making them like shooting fish in a barrel to install. You don't need to stress over fees for putting screw holes in the wall since you lot can identify your surveillance camera on a table or shelf without mounting it on a wall or ceiling.

Y'all can use adhesive strips to mountain your photographic camera instead of screws. Hither are some tips for buying suitable strips for your camera:

  • Buy strips that can hold your camera's weight.
  • Look for strips that are easy to remove and then they don't damage paint or leave a sticky residue.
  • Consider an adhesive hook that fits your camera'south mounting holes if the camera mount doesn't accept a large enough surface to stick to.

Installing outdoor cameras and video doorbells

Even if you tin can install your home security camera without damaging your apartment building, you need to be aware of privacy concerns. While it's legal to record in a public space, common area, or parking spot exterior your abode, you may need to conform your surveillance photographic camera so it doesn't look into the homes of other tenants.

Placement is specially problematic for video doorbells with a clear view of the rental unit across from y'all. Some doorbell cameras come with wedges to point the lens downward, but it isn't ever enough to protect privacy. This is why it'southward all-time to ask before installing a video doorbell.

Calculation video surveillance to your home is a swell way to improve your home security and protect your home—tenant or not. Caput over to our reviews of the wireless security cameras and video doorbells to run into our top picks.

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John Carlsen

Written by

John Carlsen

John is a technology journalist specializing in smart abode devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over nine years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Dwelling house Editor for Meridian 10 Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Author in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism accent from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has all the same to complete.

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