Can Tenants Install Security Cameras (Systems)?

Question

My husband and I rented a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, separate entrance house (one entire floor of the house) in Astoria, NY. We moved here around September 2016 and have no problem with the landlord until now. We started losing packages both from UPS and USPS. We suspected it was the second-floor tenant or someone who lives in the same house. The first thing we did was contacting the landlord. She told me it was none of her business and I need to take care of my own packages. So that’s what I did. I posted an A4 letter size note beneath the general mailbox and I posted an A4 letter size note on my window. The note basically stated that due to recent package theft, please place the packages in the basement.

The landlord was very upset about the note I posted. She tries very hard to get me to take down notes. I told her I can take down the note, but I should be able to use alternative ways to solve my problem. I suggest installing the security camera in front of my own door (it’s a separate entrance) and on my own windows. I am willing to pay for the installation (it’s not cheap). It means that much to me. The landlord was very firm on not allowing me to install cameras. She also told me I should send my packages to my friend's place or at my workplace. I told her I am a paying tenant and I have my rights. I am on a month to month lease, and it does not mention anything about the camera.

So my questions are:

Can I, tenant install security cameras inside or outside our own rental premises?

If I install security cameras without my landlord’s permission, can she just take them down?

Thanks in advance!

Deanna McCormick · Answer

Simple no packages unless signed for. Signature required on everything.

UPS has local hubs in neighborhoods that they leave packages at..  for easy pick up.

The camera thing is over the top,,

Thomas S. · Answer

@Francesca Lopez

If you do not feel safe nothing your landlord can do will change that fact. If you are not concerned enough to actually move then you must live with that decision.

Being paranoid is a problem you must manage.

Jennifer T. · Answer

I don't know if a lot of your packages are delivered from Amazon, but they have suddenly sprouted all kinds of pick-up locations.  I tried it out for the first time recently and liked it.  They are basically lock boxes.  The ones near me are safely inside a Whole Foods.  Once your package is delivered, you're sent an e-mail with a code that allows you to access the locker that has your package in it.  It was great and easy-breezy!

Francesca Lopez · Answer

I have the same question as Elizabeth Correa...

My upstairs neighbor has installed two Arlo cameras inside his apartment facing the oublic to see our coming and going. I have had issues with this neighbor for two years and he has entered my private patio without consent. We feel very unsafe with him living upstairs and are upset the management does nothing about his cameras. They say he can have them because they are inside his apartment. From my understanding cameras are to face his unit not the public. Is this correct?  Also, his camera has a strong microphone which picks up my private conversation through windows.

Elizabeth Correa · Answer

Hi so i live on the 3rd floor of a 3 story 6 family. The first floor tenant is a nuisance and harrasses and bothers everyone, him and his wife. They both stay home all day they dont work and they installed surveillance cameras inside main hallway. When u walk in the locked secure front door that only tenants have keys to you hear the sensor beep. When walking down stair case just before there door same thing you hear the sensor beep. They have them outside on their side of building and they literally come outside as soon as u pull up and go to door as soon as u come around the stairs. I feel my privacy is being invaded and i dont feel safe them being able to see exactly when i come and go. We dont know if there is audio but u hear them talking amost each other about the things we speak of in the privacy of our own home. Is this all legal? The landlord never approved it but they are such a nuisance they are scared of him. Im ready to rip them down myself and leave it on his door mat. Atleast the one watching me check my mail and come and go from my apt. What can i do?

Armindo Gonzalez Jr · Answer

Question is what does your lease agreement states? Is their any clause about installing cameras?

Ned J. · Answer

As long as you are not installing something to the actual building...inside or out....you should be well within your rights to install cameras. Plenty of simple cheap cameras you can buy that have a stand etc where you can just set them on a window sill or desk and point them out the window.

And be prepared to be disappointed in the reaction once you get video..... the landlord wont do jack if its the other tenant and the police will consider it low priority to make an arrest etc.

Even if you get video, I would have my packages delivered to a secure location....

Matt K. · Answer

Are the privacy concerns with the Yi cameras still relevant? It was something with how all the data goes through servers in china and no real way to disable it?

Mike Cumbie · Answer

Sorry to hear of your issue. Generally speaking installing any new fixture in a house requires owner approval. As others have mentioned though there are very low cost wi-fi cameras that can look at your porch all day and record the coming and goings. You could buy a trail camera pointed out a window (so it pops on with movement) for under $70. They are cheap enough hunters put them in the woods to see when deer come by and record on a card. I think you are looking at using a sledge hammer to drive in a finishing nail. Of course you may want to buy it locally or it could fail to be delivered :)

Good luck with your issue

Can Tenants Install Security Cameras (Systems)?

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