Security Cameras

[Patrick Bross]

Hey BP,

Quick question about security cameras. I plan to install few on a downtown Charleston, SC duplex I own. Is there anything I need to consider before doing so? Are there tenant rights that by doing so would otherwise violate? I plan to add 3 cameras overlooking to driveway, backyard, and porch (nothing weird...). 

Thanks for the feedback!

[Jason Insalaco]

@PatrickBoss

Patrick, 

Congratulations on your decision to install cameras at your property. You are increasing protection for your tenants, yourself, and your investment asset. 

I offer the  the following suggestions to ensure that you tenants are properly informed of the cameras and the cameras limitations:

* Drop your tenants a written memo or email letting them know that you are installing the cameras. I suggest stating in writing explicitly that the cameras will not be actively monitored. This ensures that your tenant and their guests won't mislead that they are "protected" by someone actually monitoring 24/7 so theoretically a crime could be thwarted in-progress. (I post this assuming that you will have a DVR or cloud storage for the footage and that an individual or security company won't be monitoring 24/7). 

* Post signs for the cameras. This is strong deterrent and will place others on notice that they are being recorded. If the cameras are located in an obvious public location, the law does not provide an expectation of privacy so you are not invading anyone's rights. However, it is good business and tenant practices to over-disclose that they are being recorded. 

* In your communication with your tenants, I wouldn't not use the term "security cameras." I suggest just using cameras. This just an extra safeguard for you. Again, this is to protect you from possible misperceptions or inflated expectations of security that you are/aren't providing. 

 One final suggestion: reach out to your insurance company and see if there are any discounts for security camera installation. 

Good luck! 

Jason