Tenant put up security cameras, how to deal with this?

Rental Property Investor · Auburn, AL · Member since 2018 · 50 posts · 20 votes

We had a tenant put up security cameras and drill into the wood of our deck to install them. We don't have anything in our lease or rules about cameras. We gave them a notice to take them down but the tenant responded that they talked to a "Family attorney" stating that our lease didn't say they couldn't put them up. They then stated their cars had been keyed twice and said "are you going to pay for the damages? "

I'm not exactly sure how to deal with this. I'm a new landlord and this is a first. All help is appreciated!

**This property is a 41-unit apartment complex. Not a SFH.

0 Reply

121 views

Most Popular Reply

Nathan GesnerBusiness Member

Moderator

Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes

Your lease can't possibly cover everything. I'm guessing you probably don't explicitly say that it's a violation of the lease to set the house on fire. I doubt they consulted an attorney over something so frivolous when they didn't even bother to contact you.

Tell them they are responsible for any damages caused. The cameras must be completely removed after their lease ends and all holes professionally filled to match the existing material or they will be charged to have someone do it. I would give this to them in writing so there's no confusion.

Every community is different but in my experience, the only tenants with security cameras are the ones dealing in something criminal.

The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews

Website View Page

16 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

33 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Andrew Angerer
Rental Property Investor · Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 234 posts · 183 votes
7y
Wow very interesting, to be honest, I wouldn't fight this unless you have a good reason, like the cameras are gaudy. I would assume most tenants that want cameras would sue you to get them installed, so the fact that they spent their own money is surprising.
If they are good tenants that pay on time, something this small (which is actually making your property look safer/better) shouldn't be an issue.
I would say in the future take a good look at your contract with new tenants, I know from experience that bad contracts can lead to many issues.
All the best,
Andrew
7 Reply
Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
7y
Your lease can't possibly cover everything. I'm guessing you probably don't explicitly say that it's a violation of the lease to set the house on fire. I doubt they consulted an attorney over something so frivolous when they didn't even bother to contact you.
Tell them they are responsible for any damages caused. The cameras must be completely removed after their lease ends and all holes professionally filled to match the existing material or they will be charged to have someone do it. I would give this to them in writing so there's no confusion.
Every community is different but in my experience, the only tenants with security cameras are the ones dealing in something criminal.
The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
Website View Page
16 Reply
Karen MargraveBusiness Member
Moderator
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer · Redding, CA · Member since 2009 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
7y
If their cars have been keyed 2x it sounds as if the unit is in a problem area. Rather than being upset they installed cameras, I would be happy they were doing their part to cut down on crime. Having cameras up, especially if there's stickers or other things posted stating it's under surveilance will probably be a huge benefit to you. I cannot understand why it would bother you. a few screw holes in some wood? Much easier to deal with than ignoring their warning and putting tenants in danger.
10 Reply
Chris Szepessy
Catskill, NY · Member since 2018 · 636 posts · 668 votes
7y
"I talked to an attorney" seems to be everyone's go to when they are in the wrong. It's to scare you from proceeding any further. I don't see the cameras being that big of an issue, though, unless they caused a lot of damage when installing them. If this is a multi family, I might be concerned about how the other tenants feel about them.
3 Reply
Dennis M.
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
Hard to fault them .i would likely do the same thing if my car was vandalized twice . I’d let it slide unless other tenants complained at the property about the cameras
5 Reply
Michael Noto
Real Estate Agent · Southington, CT · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y
@Cody F. If they are otherwise good tenants then I would let this one slide. In the end, they are trying to do something that they think will protect their property and yours.
5 Reply
Alan Pederson
Investor · Kennedale, TX · Member since 2016 · 219 posts · 349 votes
7y
I agree with what Nathan said. I might also add a line to the lease that states that no modifications are to be made to the property without prior written consent.
1 Reply
Cody F.
OP
Rental Property Investor · Auburn, AL · Member since 2018 · 50 posts · 20 votes
7y
@Michael Noto they aren't very good tenants, they left garbage in the middle of the yard one week, were late on rent last month, smoke inside, and play loud music from their cars outside. This is a 41 unit apartment complex. I don't want the rest of the tenants to start thinking they can set up security cameras too. And the cameras could be making other tenants feel uncomfortable. I'm thinking about putting up a legitimate security camera system up for the complex but I'm trying to work that into the budget which takes time.
2 Reply
Nicole A.Pro Member
Rental Property Investor · Baltimore County Maryland and Tampa Florida · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
7y
They live in a 41-unit complex and put up cameras outside on the building/deck? How did you know which tenant did this? I would just have the cameras removed if they aren't gone soon. This wouldn't be a problem if it was just a single-family....but on a apartment complex is an odd thing for them to do.
I hope that you're filing rent court/eviction the very day their rent is late if they pay late again. Also, of course don't renew their lease when it's up.
5 Reply
Mike S.
Rental Property Investor · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2013 · 419 posts · 323 votes
7y
Are you on month to month with them? If so, immediately give 30 day notice. Also, if your lease doesn't have a clause that strictly prohibits attaching, drilling, or otherwise installing anything to the structure, I would add one to the leases going forward.
0 Reply
Sam Hopkins
OH (ohio) · Member since 2016 · 63 posts · 43 votes
7y
A safe tenant is a happy tenant. How much damage could two screws do?
1 Reply
Adam Mittermeier
Specialist · Little Rock, AR · Member since 2018 · 148 posts · 71 votes
7y
@Cody Furman if it wasn't in the lease then it's just a lesson learned, and be sure to add it to your agreement for the future.
0 Reply
Quito Keutla
Real Estate Agent · Renton, WA · Member since 2017 · 204 posts · 151 votes
7y
@Cody F. I wouldn't think too much about it as long as it's not intrusive @Nathan Gesner pionts just make sure you let them know to return the unit in orignal order. I'm sure a few screw holes isn't be much of an issue. Installing your own camera would be a great value add to your tenants as it would make them feel safer, not sure what type of neighborhood the property is located but hope it's not a problem area. Happy Investing.
1 Reply
Josue Vargas
Real Estate Agent · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2017 · 814 posts · 466 votes
7y
Is your lease have a statement of no additions/attachments to the property without prior consent from Landlord?
Now a 41-unit, yes I would seek some grounds to have them removed because other tenants may complain or do the same. I agree with you, install your won security system/cameras (they are cheap). Before doing so, be careful and analyze the situation, new tenants may see that your property location have history of criminal activity.
I have something similar with one of my leases (duplex). I didn't specify anything related to security cameras. The tenant paid for them and install it using a professional. Yes, there are some holes in the wall, but is something very minor that can be repaired or subtracts from deposit, so I don't mind it because Tenant feels more safe in the place he lives.
2 Reply
James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
7y
Originally posted by @Mike S.:

Are you on month to month with them? If so, immediately give 30 day notice. Also, if your lease doesn't have a clause that strictly prohibits attaching, drilling, or otherwise installing anything to the structure, I would add one to the leases going forward.
Why would you evict them over this? Do they pay their rent? If so this is a non issue.
0 Reply
James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
7y
Originally posted by @Cody F.:

We had a tenant put up security cameras and drill into the wood of our deck to install them. We don't have anything in our lease or rules about cameras. We gave them a notice to take them down but the tenant responded that they talked to a "Family attorney" stating that our lease didn't say they couldn't put them up. They then stated their cars had been keyed twice and said "are you going to pay for the damages? "
I'm not exactly sure how to deal with this. I'm a new landlord and this is a first. All help is appreciated!
**This property is a 41-unit apartment complex. Not a SFH.
Sounds like a non issue. Keep collecting the rent.
1 Reply
Mike S.
Rental Property Investor · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2013 · 419 posts · 323 votes
7y
Originally posted by @James Wise:

Originally posted by @Cody F.:
We had a tenant put up security cameras and drill into the wood of our deck to install them. We don't have anything in our lease or rules about cameras. We gave them a notice to take them down but the tenant responded that they talked to a "Family attorney" stating that our lease didn't say they couldn't put them up. They then stated their cars had been keyed twice and said "are you going to pay for the damages? "
I'm not exactly sure how to deal with this. I'm a new landlord and this is a first. All help is appreciated!
**This property is a 41-unit apartment complex. Not a SFH.
Sounds like a non issue. Keep collecting the rent.
What eviction? It’s a termination of M2M.
Quote OP:
“they aren't very good tenants, they left garbage in the middle of the yard one week, were late on rent last month, smoke inside, and play loud music from their cars outside.”
0 Reply
Collin Schwartz
Rental Property Investor · Papillion, NE · Member since 2017 · 398 posts · 1k+ votes
7y
@Cody Furman I just dealt with this issue at an apartment building I just purchased. I flat out told them they needed to take down the cameras immediately. The only difference possibly was my resident had cameras in the common area hallways. I am also putting up my own cameras but will be the only one with access to view them.
3 Reply
James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
7y
Originally posted by @Mike S.:

Originally posted by @James Wise:
Originally posted by @Cody F.:

We had a tenant put up security cameras and drill into the wood of our deck to install them. We don't have anything in our lease or rules about cameras. We gave them a notice to take them down but the tenant responded that they talked to a "Family attorney" stating that our lease didn't say they couldn't put them up. They then stated their cars had been keyed twice and said "are you going to pay for the damages? "
I'm not exactly sure how to deal with this. I'm a new landlord and this is a first. All help is appreciated!
**This property is a 41-unit apartment complex. Not a SFH.
Sounds like a non issue. Keep collecting the rent.
What eviction? It’s a termination of M2M.
Quote OP:
“they aren't very good tenants, they left garbage in the middle of the yard one week, were late on rent last month, smoke inside, and play loud music from their cars outside.”
I don't think anything of that is reason to remove an income stream from your business. That is all pretty standard stuff when you're in the property management biz. Non issue, never gonna be a time you aren't dealing with that stuff.......Collect the rent.
1 Reply
Colleen F.Pro Member
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
7y
Maybe playing loud music from your cars gets you cars keyed? Just saying... I would deal with each lease violation. For the camera, I gather the deck faces their parking space? is it intrusive of anyone's living space? If so it could be a violation of other tenants privacy and I would have it removed for that reason. If not you could go either way, I think security cameras will soon become like the satellite dish, you have to let them be but you can dictate acceptable installation. In this case deck repair and making clear they are responsible for compliance with laws regarding video surveillance would be sufficient unless they are videoing other apartments. (if it has sound recording that may be illegal to use)
And to their snarky answer are you going to pay for their damages I would let them know that your parking lot is common space like Walmart or Home Depot. I would also be sure to post signs in parking lot that you are not responsible for damages. It would fall under their insurance.
2 Reply
Brian Ploszay
Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y
It seems like these are not good tenants for other reasons. As far as the security cameras, this is not a big issue.
My recurring problem is with cable companies. Can't stop that, but I have to remove this junk occasionally. Cable guys go on roofs and lay their wires and install dishes. This means screwing into my roof, drilling and nailing into siding and brick.
0 Reply
Michael Ring
Colorado Springs, CO · Member since 2015 · 18 posts · 4 votes
7y
@Cody Furman If they aren’t good tenants they may have put the cameras up for nefarious reasons. I’ve lived across the street from meth dealers who put up cameras so they can see if cops are around. Are the cameras there to protect their front door? If they are pointing at the parking lot or street, I’d suspect that they have enemies... cops, vandals or other criminals. Whether you let them keep the cameras Is your call, but I wouldn’t renew their lease. Good luck!
1 Reply
Christopher Lombardi
Developer · Point Pleasant Beach, NJ · Member since 2015 · 303 posts · 216 votes
7y
@Cody Furman if they put them up in there own unit or on a private deck of theirs, I would let it slide for now and wait until they move out to collect any damages from their security deposit. If they are putting it in places on your building that isn’t part of their private unit I would not allow it. You are not responsible for paying for damages to their car. Tell them to file a police report.
0 Reply
James Galla
Attorney · Akron, OH · Member since 2016 · 535 posts · 389 votes
7y
Just use wood putty. Other than that, you ought to have a security system for that many units.
0 Reply
James Canoy
Kingston, NY · Member since 2017 · 252 posts · 138 votes
7y
@Cody Furma
But your lease probably did cover property damage which is what you’re really worried about here. That being said if they are good tenants, a few screw holes in a deck which will never be seen would be a non issue for me.
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.