Security Cameras outside Florida SFR

[Ingrid Hussey]

Hi All,

I recently installed security cameras outside of my SFR rental. 1 is installed on 1 corner of the house and is aimed at the front yard. The other is installed at the opposite corner of the house above the garage and is aimed at the driveway. Neither camera is capable of turning toward the house to view anything going on inside the residence.

I am a remote landlord and wanted the cameras as a security measure to protect the exterior as well as monitor what goes on when outdoor vendors are at the property. 

The cameras do 2 things:
1.  They activate on sound/motion and will record a small VISUAL snippet of what is going on, but they DO NOT record sound
2.  I can SPEAK with someone on the other end (like a vendor) with sound - but this live interaction is NOT ABLE TO BE RECORDED. 

Has anyone had issues with tenants feeling like this is an invasion of privacy?  I am within the rules of the Florida statute regarding security cameras and not recording conversations.  But other than telling a prospective tenant that "this is not the house for you if you have a problem with the security cameras", how have you handled the situation when they bring it up in regards to it being an "invasion of privacy"?

[Peter Mckernan]

First I would check with local and state laws on this... However, I am sure that there will be some stuff that says this is no go for privacy issues.. 
I agree with Laura, if this is a long term rental it would be hard to convince the tenants that they have cameras on the property that the owner controls even with all the stuff that you mentioned (does not turn, only for surveillance for crimes etc.). 

[Laura Stayton]

Quote from @Ingrid Hussey:

Hi All,

I recently installed security cameras outside of my SFR rental. 1 is installed on 1 corner of the house and is aimed at the front yard. The other is installed at the opposite corner of the house above the garage and is aimed at the driveway. Neither camera is capable of turning toward the house to view anything going on inside the residence.

I am a remote landlord and wanted the cameras as a security measure to protect the exterior as well as monitor what goes on when outdoor vendors are at the property. 

The cameras do 2 things:
1.  They activate on sound/motion and will record a small VISUAL snippet of what is going on, but they DO NOT record sound
2.  I can SPEAK with someone on the other end (like a vendor) with sound - but this live interaction is NOT ABLE TO BE RECORDED. 

Has anyone had issues with tenants feeling like this is an invasion of privacy?  I am within the rules of the Florida statute regarding security cameras and not recording conversations.  But other than telling a prospective tenant that "this is not the house for you if you have a problem with the security cameras", how have you handled the situation when they bring it up in regards to it being an "invasion of privacy"?

I've been doing this a long time and don't know of any tenant who would agree to cameras on the property they don't control.  It's a privacy issue.  
I definitely understand why you want them but you're better off hiring someone to manage in my opinon.

[Peter Mckernan]

First I would check with local and state laws on this... However, I am sure that there will be some stuff that says this is no go for privacy issues.. 
I agree with Laura, if this is a long term rental it would be hard to convince the tenants that they have cameras on the property that the owner controls even with all the stuff that you mentioned (does not turn, only for surveillance for crimes etc.). 

[Adam Bartomeo]

Tenants HATE cameras when it is a SFH or duplex but on larger properties they welcome the cameras because it makes them feel safe. FYI when something/anything happens the tenants will contact you to see the footage but that will open you up to a whole lot of liability.