Pros & Cons of Security Camera on Rental Property 

security camera on rental property hero image: Woman using her smartphone with home security application

Wondering if you can install a security camera on rental property? You can but you should probably let your tenant know—we’ll show you how.

In this article, we’ll cover what types of security cameras you can install, where to install them, and how to let your tenant know that you’ve put up security cameras. Additionally, we’ll cover the pros and cons of installing security cameras.

First & foremost—yes, you can have a security camera on rental property

It’s not illegal to have a security camera on rental property. In fact, there are many pros to having a few cameras around. However, there are, of course, some restrictions as to where you can install the camera.

Where can you install a camera?

You cannot have security cameras in private areas—such as a tenant’s personal living areas. This includes (but isn’t limited to) their kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, or in-unit laundry rooms. Essentially, anything behind the tenant’s unit door is off-limits for security cams.

However, you can install security cameras on rental property if they only face common or outside areas that do not infringe upon any tenant’s privacy. You also have to be aware that audio recordings come with their own stricter laws

Pros and Cons of Installing Security Cameras

Pros for added protection against:

  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Destruction of property
  • Other crimes
  • Marketable feature of added safety on listings

Cons against installation:

  • Tenants might feel uncomfortable with the installation
  • You might have to dip into your cash flow to install
  • Someone might vandalize or steal your cameras

How to Inform Your Tenant You’ve Installed Security Cameras

You can use the following sample to help draft a notice of security cameras below. Of course, you’ll need to make customizations, but be sure to inform your tenant of where you’ve installed the security cameras and how it benefits them.

Sample Letter to Tenant for Installing Security Cameras

Dear <Tenant Name>,

I am writing to let you know that we’ve installed security cameras in the following locations:

  • Front of the apartment building (facing towards building entrance, not in towards any apartment windows)
  • Communal hallways
  • Communal parking lots

This is to help discourage theft, vandalism, destruction of property, and other crimes. Security cameras can also be beneficial to you in the event if your personal property is damaged or stolen. Simply ask us for the footage, if needed.

These security cameras do NOT record audio or overlook any of your personal and private living quarters. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at <contact info>.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Phone Number 
Email

Disclaimer: This is not intended to substitute as legal advice. Please seek professional legal advice when it comes to managing your properties & installing security cameras.