Can tenants install security systems without landlord's approval?

[Jacky Johnson]

I have had a tenant who installed several wireless surveillance cameras and motion detectors on the property without my approval or express written consent. Does this situation fall into the clause on the lease "Except as provided by law, no repairs, decorating or alterations shall be done by Resident without Owner/Agent's prior written consent. Resident shall notify Owner/Agent in writing of any repairs or alterations contemplated."? Has he breached the lease? What should I do in this situation?

[Account Closed]

Did the tenant do damage with the exception of a few small screw holes, or maybe the devices are only stuck on with that sticky-like tape. I don't like to breathe down my tenants' necks for everything they do. If they are not causing damage then let them enjoy the use of your property without your nit-picking them. If they already did damage then get angry inside, but also try to avoid a confrontation and keep your mouth shut. You don't need to act like a god reigning over the property. If and when the tenant moves you only need to politely request that nail holes are repaired and walls are painted and that is when you can get a little more-heated up, but the cost to clean up holes made by smoke detector devices is zero to very insignificant because landlords have to clean and paint, anyway. Give your tenants a little room for minor mistakes.