Cameras nowadays are everywhere. They are mostly used to capture moments for a variety of purposes. So you might have wondered if cameras are also installed in apartment complexes. That's why we've done the research to get the answers for you.
Most apartment complexes will have a type of surveillance camera mainly for security purposes. In fact, CCTV cameras are present in nearly all establishments. Cameras are also ubiquitous, not just in commercial buildings but also in residential complexes.
Even individual units in apartment complexes could have a camera, like a doorbell cam, which is also used primarily for security purposes.
Please continue reading as we will discuss cameras in apartment complexes in more detail. Also, at the end of this post, you will find some very interesting and informative topics that could help you with other related questions.
Are there cameras in apartment complexes?
Cameras in apartment complexes are there primarily for one reason, and that is for security purposes. Surveillance cameras should, in fact, be present in all common areas of your apartment complex.
Places like your lobby, stairwells, elevators, parking lots, corridors, etc., should have cameras monitoring them in case any suspicious activity or emergencies occur.
This way, if crimes like burglary are committed within the vicinity of the complex, this could help the authorities solve the case faster.
A study even suggests that CCTV cameras reduce the crime rate by up to 60% as potential criminals will more often than not choose a place where there are no alarms or surveillance systems that could quickly notify the owners.
With all that in mind, cameras in an apartment complex also assure its tenants that there is an added element of security in the place they are living in. This can also be an amenity feature that attracts potential tenants, especially if all the cameras are working and someone is monitoring them 24/7.
Are there laws requiring apartment complexes to have cameras installed?
There are no direct laws requiring apartments to have surveillance cameras installed. Still, a landlord reserves the right to have one installed as the entire apartment complex is their property.
Since security cameras bear no weight in terms of structural integrity, local building codes will most likely not require or have any guidelines regarding their presence.
What is illegal is installing cameras that would invade the reasonable privacy of their tenants. More on this is in the following sections.
As a tenant, there should be no ill will to your landlord if they decide to put up cameras, especially in common areas.
In fact, you will significantly benefit from it because of all the security advantages that it brings. This adds a layer of protection to you as every activity in the common places of the complex will be accounted for even if there are no witnesses.
On the other hand, if there are no security cameras in the building, you can request one to be installed. You could also have one installed for your unit, which we will discuss later in this post.
Is your apartment complex allowed to install hidden cameras?
Establishments like condos are not permitted to put hidden cameras, especially in the following areas of your apartment complex:
- Bathrooms
- Shower areas
- Hotel rooms
- Bedrooms
- Locker rooms
- Changing rooms
This means that apartments and condos must not place their cameras in covert or unrecognizable ways. It is also required to have the proper signage indicating to residents that there is a working CCTV camera around the vicinity.
The apartment complex is also responsible for storing the videos and preventing them from being linked or shared publicly, all for their tenants' privacy.
Hidden Surveillance Laws
Video surveillance, particularly hidden cameras and/or audio recorders, may have strict laws depending on the state. Currently, only 15 states address this having designated the need to obtain consent to set up surveillance within public and/or private locations.
Some states such as Georgia, Hawaii, and California prohibit the use of hidden surveillance.
How do you tell if there are cameras in your apartment?
Determining if there are any cameras in your apartment should be pretty easy. As we have discussed above, your apartment or condo complex is responsible for notifying its residents, tenants, and guests that there is video surveillance in the area.
This could be achieved by signage that you will usually see at the entrance or across the lobby halls. Look for this signage, or you can directly ask your landlord for confirmation.
Another way is by observing. Most CCTV cameras will be placed in visible locations in common places. Examples are at the end of a hallway, where it can record the entire corridor, or at the top right or top left of the main entrance of the building.
Cameras will usually be positioned in places you expect people to pass through. Some cameras would also be placed in spots people don't usually pass through, such as rooftops. But this is mainly to deter possible burglars or intruders.
How long do most apartment complexes keep video surveillance?
This would depend on the security of the apartment complex. In most cases, you can expect anywhere between 1-3 months, but it is common to see security footage stored for up to a year.
24/7 surveillance for 12 months can accumulate an enormous file size, which can be challenging to store. Surveillance videos are deleted to free up memory for future recordings, especially if no significant happenings are caught on camera.
Am I allowed to install cameras in my apartment unit?
As a tenant of an apartment unit, you have the temporary right to the apartment via the rent you pay. This gives you partial ownership of the unit. This allows you to install cameras inside, even without your landlord's permission.
But you must be mindful of installing cameras as they should not interfere with your neighbor's expected privacy. That is why doorbell cameras can be tricky for apartments.
Because of the proximity of apartments, your doorbell camera can directly record your neighbor across the hall every time they open or stay at their door.
But if you refer to it legally, doorbell cameras are entirely legal. Now, if your neighbors will have any problem with it, your landlord will be the one to put specific guidelines regarding this, as they are the ones with absolute authority over the property.
In some apartments, there will be a Tenant's Association that will have specific guidelines regarding this. It is best to check with your building admin or landlord directly if you have any trouble or questions regarding this matter.
How far can doorbell cameras see and hear?
Most common doorbell cameras can record and detect audio and video as far as 20-25 feet; exceeding this, your doorbell camera would have a hard time capturing any sound or motion.
Doorbell cameras usually need to detect motion for them to power on. Although there are those that record 24/7, some only activate if they detect motion or sound near where they are placed.
For regular homes, a distance of 20 to 25 feet is enough for you not to intrude on the privacy of your neighbors. But, in a condo or an apartment, your doorbell camera can easily record the front door of your neighbor's apartment.
Examples of these are the famous Amazon Ring Video doorbell cameras.
Check out this doorbell camera on Amazon.
A Quick Recap
For the most part, you can expect apartment complexes to have security surveillance CCTV cameras installed in their common areas. This is a completely proven way to deter and turn away would-be burglars and other criminal activity in the vicinity.
We hope that we've satisfied your question. Are you still having other inquiries regarding renting? Check out the posts below to know more.
Can I Install Cameras In My Condo?
Does An Apartment Complex Have To Replace The Carpet? [And How Often]
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