Seattle, WA · Member since 2016 · 48 posts · 27 votes
Hello Everyone,
I'm a landlord in Washington State and have a 4-plex with a shared secure entry door where tenants can buzz in their guests.
I'm having a security issue with a tenant whose kids are going outside to play and not securely closing the door when they return. Sometimes the door is left wide open late at night. Other tenants have voiced their concerns regarding this issue. I speak with ALL the tenants, and things get good for a few weeks - but then the issue of an open security door comes back up.
In the interest of keeping my tenants safe, I'm in the process of installing security cameras.
If my security cameras catch the culprit(s) that are leaving the door open, can a landlord add/impose a fee if it was not part of their initial lease?
Any other landlords come across this issue? And what was your remedy?
I don't know if you could initially issue them with a fee but if you issue all the tenants a notice 30 days in advance and explain cameras are being installed and if the doors are left open the tenant who leaves the door open will then incur a fine. Maybe also include if cameras are intentionally damaged by tenants - not that they would but just to have it in there. Lastly consulting with your real estate attorney is always advisable as well. I have one if you need a referral.
Definitely get a better closer. As for changing the lease terms, you would be hard pressed to add something to it until it is up for renewal. Is there anything in the existing lease about making things secure or the common areas?
I have to agree that the cost of a closer is a whole lot cheaper and more efficient than getting a bunch of security cameras, spending time trying to find out who left the door open and then changing the lease up.