You just noticed a security camera above your front door or maybe pointed at the driveway, and you’re wondering: can a landlord have cameras outside the house? Is that legal?
These are valid concerns. As a tenant, you have the right to feel safe and respected in your home, and that includes your right to privacy. At the same time, landlords also have a legal right to secure their property. So, where’s the line?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly where landlords can and can’t place cameras, how the footage can be used, and what steps to take if you feel your privacy is being violated. Let’s clear up the confusion so you know where you stand.
Is It Legal for Landlords to Install Security Cameras at Their Properties?
The short answer to “Can landlord have cameras on property?” is yes in most cases. Landlords are allowed to install security cameras on their properties. But there are important legal limits, especially when it comes to protecting tenant privacy.
The key issue is whether the camera is placed in an area where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Here’s how the law generally breaks down:
Visible vs. Hidden Cameras
Landlords can install visible security cameras in shared or public areas, like driveways or building entrances. But hidden cameras, especially if placed without your knowledge, are usually illegal and could be considered a violation of privacy laws.
Video-Only vs. Video with Audio
Silent video recording is often permitted in common areas. However, recording audio is another story. Under the federal Wiretap Act (18 U.S.C. § 2511)—and depending on your state’s consent laws—audio recording without permission may be illegal, even in shared spaces.
Notice and Disclosure
Many states, and most leases, require landlords to inform tenants in writing if surveillance cameras are installed. This includes disclosing the locations, purpose, and how long the footage will be stored. If your landlord installs cameras without telling you, that could be considered harassment or an unfair practice.
Private Areas Are Off-Limits
Cameras are never allowed inside private spaces like bathrooms, bedrooms, or inside your rental unit without your written consent. Recording in these areas can lead to lawsuits, and in some states, even criminal charges.
State-Specific Laws
Rules vary slightly by state. For example, Florida and California prohibit cameras in any space where someone might reasonably undress, while South Carolina explicitly makes unauthorized indoor surveillance a criminal offense.
Where Can Landlords Put Security Cameras in Their Properties?
When it comes to where cameras can legally be placed, the law separates properties into two main categories: shared/public areas (where cameras are typically allowed) and private spaces (where cameras are almost always prohibited).
Where Cameras Are Allowed
- Outdoor areas: If you’re wondering, “Can a landlord put cameras outside the house?” The answer is often yes. This includes front and back doors, driveways, parking lots, garages, and yards—as long as the cameras don’t point directly into a tenant’s windows or private living space.
- Common indoor areas: Think building lobbies, hallways, stairwells, mailrooms, laundry rooms, and elevators. These are shared spaces, and courts have consistently ruled that surveillance in these areas is legal, especially when used to deter theft or vandalism.
- Shared amenities: Gyms, storage rooms, swimming pools, and other communal areas can also have cameras, but notice should be posted to let tenants know the area is being monitored.
In fact, having security cameras in shared spaces isn’t just allowed—it’s often encouraged. They help create a safer environment for tenants by deterring theft, vandalism, and other crimes. Plus, they allow landlords to ensure that tenants are following rules around things like guest limits.
Where Cameras Are Not Allowed
But can a landlord have cameras inside the house? The answer is almost always no. Landlords cannot place cameras in:
- Inside your rental unit: That includes living rooms, kitchens, and especially bedrooms or bathrooms. Even with a visible camera, recording inside your unit without your written and revocable consent is a violation of your privacy rights.
- Bathrooms or changing areas: Whether they’re inside your apartment or shared facilities, cameras in these areas are strictly prohibited in nearly every state—and may be considered a criminal offense.
- Angles pointing into windows or private balconies: If a camera’s field of view includes areas where you expect privacy, like inside your home through a window, landlords are responsible for adjusting or masking the view.
How Can the Security Camera Footage Be Used?
Landlords can legally use security camera footage for legitimate safety and property-related reasons, not to monitor your daily life.
The most common uses include:
- Preventing theft or vandalism
- Investigating damage to the property
- Providing evidence to law enforcement
- Supporting claims in lease violations or eviction cases (for example, if they believe there are unauthorized occupants or disturbances)
In these cases, landlords are typically using footage from shared or common areas, like hallways, parking lots, or entryways—places where tenants don’t have a legal expectation of privacy.
However, using footage to track your movements, question who you invite over, or monitor your routines may be considered harassment, depending on your local tenant protection laws.
In some places, local laws go a step further. For instance, Prince George’s County in Maryland requires landlords to keep surveillance footage for at least 30 days and to provide access to tenants upon request.
To stay compliant, responsible landlords should:
- Post clear signage in any area under surveillance
- List camera locations and storage details in the lease
- Limit access to the footage—usually only to themselves, property managers, or law enforcement with a subpoena
What to Do If You Find Landlord Surveillance Cameras Inside Rental Property
If you discover a camera inside your rental unit, especially one you weren’t told about, take it seriously. Here’s what to do:
- Document it. Take clear photos or videos of the device, where it’s located, and where it’s pointing. Don’t tamper with it—just document everything.
- Check your lease and state law. Review your lease agreement for any mention of cameras or surveillance. Also, look up your state’s privacy laws. For example, in California, hidden cameras in private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms are outright illegal under Penal Code § 647(j).
- Contact your landlord in writing. Politely but firmly ask for the camera to be removed or repositioned. Reference any laws or lease clauses it violates. Putting this request in writing creates a paper trail in case things escalate.
- File a complaint if needed. If the landlord refuses to remove the camera, or if it’s recording in an obviously private area like a bedroom or bathroom, you can file a complaint with your local housing authority. In some cases, it may be appropriate to notify the police.
- Seek legal support. If you feel your rights have been violated, reach out to a local tenant advocacy group or consult a privacy attorney. You may be entitled to compensation or a court order requiring the camera’s removal.
Hidden or unauthorized cameras in your personal living space are a serious invasion of privacy, and the law is on your side.
Can I Install My Own Security Cameras in a Rental Property?
Wondering can I install security cameras in a rental property? In most cases, yes, you can install your own cameras inside your rental, as long as you follow some basic rules.
If you’re placing a camera inside your unit, you generally don’t need permission, as long as the device only records spaces you occupy. That means it’s fine to install a camera in your living room, entryway, or other shared areas within your apartment.
However, if you live with roommates, or if the camera captures guests, you may need their consent, especially if audio is involved.
Because many leases prohibit permanent modifications, make sure your camera setup is temporary. Use adhesive mounts or stands rather than drilling into walls. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check with your landlord first.
Installing a camera outside your unit, such as in a hallway, balcony, or by your front door, is a different story. These areas are usually considered shared or common space, and you’ll likely need written permission from your landlord or your building’s HOA or management company.
A few things to keep in mind no matter where you install a camera:
- Turn off audio recording unless you’re in a state where one-party consent is allowed. Otherwise, you could violate wiretap laws.
- Avoid pointing the camera toward neighbors’ doors or windows, which could create privacy issues.
- Be transparent if your camera captures shared spaces—some buildings require disclosure, and it’s just good practice.
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With PoE (Power over Ethernet), each camera uses a single Ethernet cable for both power and data, making installation clean and simple, especially in rental setups where permanent changes aren’t ideal.
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Whether you’re securing the inside of your rental or monitoring entryways, these PoE NVR camera systems from eufy give you full control, constant recording, and higher privacy protection.
eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max
For renters or homeowners who want complete coverage without compromises, the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max delivers. It includes four eufy PoE Cam S4 cameras—each packed with an advanced 16MP triple-lens design that combines a 4K ultra-wide lens on top of dual 2K PTZ cameras. Together, they create a 360° panoramic view with 8x auto-zoom and subject tracking up to 164 feet away. Whether it’s a car pulling into the driveway or someone approaching your door, the system automatically locks on and keeps the subject framed with sharp detail.
The cameras support color night vision in multiple modes—including starlight and spotlight—with HDR to avoid glare and improve clarity, even for things like license plates. Backed by two-way audio, IP65 weather resistance, and on-device AI that can tell the difference between a pet, a person, or a stranger, the S4 Max is designed for intelligent, always-on protection. All footage is processed and stored on the included S4 NVR, which offers 2TB of local storage, 24/7 recording, and scalable support for up to 16 channels if you ever want to expand.
eufy PoE NVR Security System S4
If you’re looking for a powerful yet slightly more affordable setup, the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 is a well-balanced solution. It comes with two eufy PoE Cam S4 triple-lens cameras and two PoE Bullet Cam E40 cameras. This combo gives you both advanced motion-tracking and 360° views with the S4 cams, plus fixed-angle 4K coverage from the E40s. It’s ideal for covering both wide outdoor spaces and more targeted areas like entrances, garages, or shared hallways.
The E40 bullet cams feature 4K Ultra HD, 122° wide-angle views, color night vision, and IP67 weather resistance, making them incredibly durable and clear even in harsh conditions. With the on-device AI built into all cameras and the included S4 NVR, you get intelligent motion alerts, customizable detection zones, and smart video search—all stored locally on a 2TB drive. You’ll get 24/7 recording with no subscription and the ability to scale the system up to 16 cameras later if needed.
Conclusion
So, can a landlord have cameras outside the house? In most cases, yes—but only in ways that respect tenant privacy and follow legal boundaries. Outdoor cameras aimed at public or shared spaces are generally allowed, while indoor surveillance or hidden recording can be a serious violation. As a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights, stay alert to what’s permitted, and speak up if anything feels off. Whether you’re dealing with landlord-installed cameras or setting up your own, knowing the rules helps you protect both your safety and your peace of mind.
FAQs
Are landlords allowed to put cameras outside the house?
Yes, landlords can legally install cameras outside the house, as long as the cameras are focused on shared or public areas, like entryways, parking lots, or yards. However, cameras should be in plain view and should not be pointed into windows or private living spaces where tenants expect privacy.
Can a landlord video record you without permission?
Landlords cannot legally record you in private areas—like bedrooms, bathrooms, or other places inside your rental unit—without your clear and informed consent. In shared or public spaces, silent video recording is usually allowed, but recording with audio or hidden cameras without your knowledge is often illegal.
Can I sue my landlord for having cameras?
You may be able to sue your landlord if they install cameras in private areas (like bathrooms or inside your unit) without your permission, or if they use them in a way that invades your privacy. Depending on your state laws, this could qualify as harassment, breach of privacy, or even a criminal offense.
Do landlords need to notify tenants before installing outdoor cameras?
In many states, yes—landlords are expected to inform tenants if outdoor cameras are being installed, especially if they’re part of a shared living space. While not always legally required, written notice or a lease clause is considered best practice and may be required by local ordinances or building policies.